Common ATV Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Many people who live on property use all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). ATVs are great for those who live on farms or otherwise need to get around their property quickly. However, people of all ages ride these vehicles and they can flip over easily if not operated in a safe manner.

Tens of thousands of people end up in emergency rooms and clinics throughout the United States every year due to ATV accidents. Young children and teens are the most susceptible to these crashes due to their lack of experience. Here’s a look at some common injuries and how to avoid them.

Head Injuries
ATVs lack a protective roof, making helmet use absolutely essential. Without a helmet, even a minor fall can lead to a concussion or more severe brain trauma. Some riders assume they’re safe without a helmet if they’re driving slowly, but that’s a dangerous misconception. Head injuries can occur at any speed due to the ATV’s size and instability.

Spinal Injuries
ATVs can weigh 500 to 600 pounds, depending on the model. If one flips and lands on a rider, the force can cause serious harm. About 8% of ATV accidents involve spinal injuries, often linked to uneven terrain or sudden steering errors. These injuries can lead to long-term disability.

Leg Injuries
While not always life-threatening, leg and knee injuries are common in ATV crashes. Riders may suffer broken bones, bruises, or burns, especially if not wearing protective clothing.

Internal Injuries
ATV rollovers are a leading cause of internal injuries, particularly to organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs. A rider trapped beneath the machine may suffer crushing injuries due to the ATV’s heavy weight. These injuries can be severe and life-threatening without immediate medical attention.

How to Prevent ATV Accidents

Here are some ways to stay safe:

• Always wear protective gear. Helmets prevent head injuries. Gloves, goggles, boots, and long pants/sleeves protect against burns, scrapes, and debris.
• Take a safety course. Enroll in an ATV safety training program to learn proper riding techniques and risk awareness. Many courses are offered online or locally through ATV dealers.
• Follow age and size guidelines. Choose an ATV appropriate for your age, size, and experience level. Children should never ride adult-sized ATVs.
  Avoid paved roads. ATVs are not built for street use. They’re harder to control on pavement and are less visible to cars.
• Don’t speed or stunt ride. Keep a safe, controlled speed, especially on unfamiliar terrain. Attempting to do stunts can cause you to lose control and suffer injuries.
• Stay sober. Never operate an ATV under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that affects judgment or reaction time.

Contact Us Today

ATVs can be fun, and they’re easy enough to operate them that children often ride them. But misuse and poor terrain can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities.

If negligent operation or defective equipment caused your accident, you may have a case. A Mt. Juliet ATV accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can assist you. We’re here to provide personalized guidance and aggressive representation. Call (615) 622-6060 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

coastaluc.com/health-blog/5-most-common-injuries-on-atvs/#:~:text=The%20riders%20steering%20ability%20and,weight%20of%20a%20speedy%20accident.