ATV Safety is a Major Concern in Pennsylvania

As the weather warms up, ATV riding season is getting into full swing. ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) are very popular in Pennsylvania, with numerous trails where riders can enjoy a day of excitement cruising the trails with family and friends.

Riding an ATV is undoubtedly a fun and exhilarating activity, but it can also be pretty dangerous. Each year, hundreds of people are killed and tens of thousands are injured in ATV accidents. And unfortunately, Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top 10 states for ATV-related deaths.

Most Common ATV Accident Injuries

All-terrain vehicles have been known to cause a number of serious and fatal injuries, some of the most common include:

• Head and neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Arm and leg fractures
• Internal injuries
• Burn injuries

The highest percentage of ATV accidents happen on paved surfaces where the four-wheeler should not be riding. Many of these accidents also happen on unpaved roads, fields and pastures, forests, and in sand dunes. Children under the age of 16 account for more than 10% of all ATV-related fatalities.

Safety Tips for ATV Riders in Pennsylvania

As you prepare for riding season, you need to be aware of the safety concerns that come with operating a four-wheeler. Here are some of the most important ATV safety guidelines:

• Do not allow children under the age of 16 to ride an ATV. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents do not allow kids under the age of 16 to ride an adult four-wheeler. The AAP notes that ATVs kill more kids each year than bicycles, and that children under 16 are not developmentally capable of safely operating adult ATVs with speeds that can exceed 65 mph.
• Take a safety course before you ride. Although it is not recommended to let kids under age 16 ride an ATV, if you choose to allow your kids to ride, Pennsylvania requires that all youth ages 8 to 15 complete a prescribed ATV training course and receive a certificate before riding on land that is not owned by their parents or guardian. It is also a best safety practice for riders of all ages to complete a training course to help familiarize them with proper riding procedures.
• Always wear the proper ATV gear. Wearing the appropriate protective gear is a must before you hit the trails. This includes a helmet, goggles, long pants and shirt sleeves, boots, and gloves. Also bear in mind that four-wheelers have a high center of gravity that can cause them to flip over more easily than with larger motorized vehicles, so be sure to always buckle up before you head out.
• Do not ride on the trails alone. An activity like ATV riding is best done in groups of ATVs rather than by yourself. This way, if something goes wrong and you get hurt, there will be someone else with you who can call for help. This does not mean piling a bunch of people onto one four-wheeler, however. Never try to fit more riders than what is permitted by your ATV or UTV model – this can throw the vehicle off balance and increase the chances of a rollover accident.
• Stay in designated ATV riding areas. Only ride on designated trails and other riding areas and stay off of paved roads where there is a greater likelihood of accidents with larger vehicles. If you have to cross a paved road to continue on your designated trail, do so very carefully and always check for oncoming cars.
• Always stay sober while riding. Just as with drinking and driving on the regular roadways, alcohol does not mix well with ATV riding. Keep sober when you are on the trails and leave the partying until after your day of riding is over.
• Pay close attention to your surroundings. When you are driving the ATV, avoid pulling out your phone to take selfies or looking back too much at your companions. Along the same lines, do not take foolish risks like doing wheelies and similar moves just to show off. This type of behavior will eventually catch up with you.

Injured in an ATV Accident in Pennsylvania? Contact a Reputable Pittsburgh Personal Injury Firm

We hope you enjoy this season out on the trails and that you never end up in an ATV accident. And if you follow best safety practices, you can significantly reduce the chances of anything like this happening. That said, you cannot control the actions of others, and crashes do sometimes happen.

If you or someone close to got hurt in an ATV crash in Pennsylvania that was someone else’s fault, contact Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman for assistance. We will meet with you to assess your case and advise you of your legal rights and options. To get started, message us online or call our office today at 412-567-1232 or toll-free at 866-466-5789.