By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist
Many Texans have been injured or killed in accidents involving all-terrain and utility task vehicles (ATVs and UTVs). That’s why it’s important for both adults and children to keep safety in mind when riding.
According to Cultivate Safety’s All Terrain and Utility Task Vehicles campaign, there are more than 100,000 emergency room visits annually in the U.S. due to ATV and UTV accidents, and about 650 fatalities occur each year. Children are involved in about 25-60% of these injuries and fatal incidents.
ATVs and UTVs can weigh more than 2,000 pounds and roll over easily. Some of the most common injuries and fatalities are from rollovers, run-overs, falls and ejections from the vehicles.
Follow and share these rules of the trail to make safety a part of the plan for every ride and help reduce ATV-related deaths and injuries:
- Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, such as eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Take a hands-on safety course.
- Do not allow children under 16 to operate an adult-size ATV or UTV. Riders younger than 16 should drive only age-appropriate youth models and never adult models.
- Do not drive ATVs or UTVs on paved and public roads.
- Ensure the operator can safely operate the vehicle and perform tasks.
“Whether you are riding to work or riding to play, please ride to live by being safe,” the Cultivate Safety Slogan says.
Cultivate Safety provides many resources that provide safety strategies and information, including graphics and videos. Learn more at cultivatesafety.org/campaigns/atvs.
Additional resources can be found at atvsafety.org. The ATV Safety Institute provides hand-on courses, on-the-job training, riding tips and more.