How to Prevent an ATV Accident
Driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can be a fun and exhilarating hobby, especially where there are plenty of trails, parks, and natural areas to explore. Unfortunately, many people don’t take the proper safety precautions before hopping on an ATV, failing to realize the threats these vehicles can pose. ATVs may not be the size of cars, but as with any vehicle, accidents can happen, and without the right safety procedures, these accidents can be dangerous to you. Implementing accident prevention techniques will help protect yourself and others from harm.
Understanding the Dangers
Some of the most serious ATV injuries include traumatic brain injury (TBI), permanent concussions, neurologic injuries, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, fractures, and dislocations, in addition to chest and abdominal injuries. TBI can occur when an ATV rider hits their head in an accident, crash, or rollover. Often, the person involved in the crash may not even appear to be injured.
People injured in non-fatal ATV accidents can suffer catastrophic, life-changing medical problems. Treatment for these injuries can be intense and expensive. Head and spinal cord injuries often require extensive, ongoing physical therapy. In addition to physical damages, mental impairment and emotional damage suffered by many victims of life-changing ATV injuries may be severe. Victims may require a lifetime of chronic care with rehabilitation and the use of expensive assistive technologies.
The most common type of injury cause involves the ATV flipping or rolling. When this happens, an ATV driver and passenger can be thrown from the vehicle, or even pinned down by it. Generally, ATVs are not designed to carry passengers in the back. Doing so can put both passengers and driver at an increased risk for an accident.
ATV Accident Prevention Techniques
To reduce your risk of injury, follow these accident prevention techniques:
- Always wear an approved helmet, appropriate footwear, and other protective gear when operating an ATV.
- Do not allow ATV drivers to carry passengers.
- Ensure that all ATV drivers read and understand the vehicle’s operating manual, including any limitations associated with the ATV.
- Familiarize yourself with terrain’s limitations and specific hazards where the ATV will be used before riding.
- Check local and state regulations governing ATV use.
- Make sure that all ATV drivers are trained in safety methods and get practice experience operating an ATV before going out on big rides.
- Never let young children drive an ATV.
- Under no circumstances should one drive an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Always have at least one working communication device with you when riding an ATV so you can call for help in an emergency.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that people like you face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.