All-Terrain Vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles can be exciting to use. In addition to all the fun you can have, they are also perfect for any outdoor work. While ATVs can be entertaining, and thrilling, do not let your ride become dangerous. According to ATV Annual Report, There are about 650 deaths and 100,000 injuries every year involving ATVs.
You would think that Light Utility Vehicles are safer to drive than motorcycles due to having back tires, but they are equally high-risk and unsafe. Proper training and continued practice are the best way to acquire the skills necessary to ride safely under any circumstances.
Most Common ATV or Off-Road Vehicle Accidents
- Speeding Accidents
- Riding with too many passengers
- Riding without adult supervision
- Driving on paved roads and highways
- Performing Stunts
- Defective ATVs
ATV Accident Injuries
All four-wheeler injuries differ based on how the crash happened. Please find below the common injuries drivers and riders sustain:
- Broken Arms
- Broken Ribs
- Fractures
- Spinal cord Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Internal Bleeding
- Neck Injuries
- Permanent Concussion
- Neurological Injuries
How to avoid ATV and UTV Injuries in Kansas City: Safety tips for riders
- Always wear safety gear: Helmets, Protective Equipment, and Driving Shoes
- Get Proper safety and training from where you buy an ATV or near you
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Keep an eye on your speed
- Test the ground while driving at a slow speed before accelerating.
- Only drive with the authorized number of passengers.
- Do not drive on paved roads (4 wheelers are built for off-roading and can be flipped over on pavement)
Missouri ATV/UTV Laws
The Missouri Department of Revenue and The National Park Service have a list of rules all ATV/UTV owners must follow. Here are a few of them:
- ATVs and UTVs may only be operated by licensed drivers.
- May only operate on county-owned roads with a valid permit.
- ATVs and UTVs are not permitted on any closed road, service road, power line right-of-way, off established county roads, on state highways, on any park-owned roads, or any campground road.
- ATVs and UTVs are not allowed on any gravel bar, beach, or in the river unless at an approved river crossing
- No ATV operator is allowed to carry passengers unless the machine has been specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry more than one occupant.
- Every ATV must be equipped with an adequate muffler and an approved spark arrester, a good operating brake system, a slow-moving vehicle emblem, a safety flag attached to the rear of the vehicle, and a lighted headlamp and tail lamp.
- Open container and DWI/DUI enforced.
Get the HELP and COMPENSATION you need after an ATV Accident
If you are not sure if you had a Personal Injury case or are suffering because of injuries sustained due to a defective ATV, the property owner’s negligence, or another person’s negligence while riding an All-Terrain Vehicle, contact us. We have represented many victims in Missouri and Kansas who were severely injured or suffered broken bones due to an ATV crash. You can trust the Devkota Law Firm and all their dedicated attorneys.
