Utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are fun to ride for people who love adventure. But did you know that in 2021 and 2022, there were 481 and 419 fatalities, respectively, from these off-highway vehicles? These vehicles can be dangerous when not handled properly. It also doesn’t help that some riders just hop into them without prior training, putting their lives and others at risk.
What Causes UTV/ ATV Accidents
Here is a breakdown of some of the causes of these accidents.
Distracted Driving
Just like with regular cars, distracted driving is a concerning issue in these off-road vehicles. The driver can be distracted by their phone, friends, or something they notice as they drive. This can prevent them from noticing obstacles and crashing. In some cases, they can run into other people and injure them.
Considering that some of these vehicles weigh over a thousand pounds and can reach speeds of over 60mph when they collide with people, they can leave significant injuries. Victims of such accidents should hire UTV/ATV accident attorneys to help them get compensated for the damage caused because a driver was negligent.
Lack of Proper Training
There is no denying that these vehicles are fun to drive. They’ll take you through mountainous terrain more quickly than hiking. Unfortunately, most people don’t undertake a safety course before riding them, which can lead to accidents. Just like with cars, experience makes you better. Take a course and start with areas that are easy to drive as you work towards challenging terrain. This will reduce the risk of getting into accidents.
Doing Dangerous Stunts and Manoeuvres
If you check online for UTV and ATV vehicles, you’ll find people doing crazy stunts. In fact, there are TV shows and vlogs dedicated to such content. When people see others performing such stunts, they assume they can also do them. Trying to do dangerous maneuvers without the right training leads to accidents and injuries.
Poorly Maintained Vehicles
Vehicle owners are often told that one of the benefits of car maintenance is to keep users safe. The same applies to UTVs and ATVs. When these vehicles are not maintained, they can malfunction on the road, leading to accidents.
Carrying Passengers
Most of these vehicles are meant to carry one passenger, but some can carry two. If an ATV or UTV is designed for one passenger, riders should adhere to this rule. Adding passengers increases weight, limiting the vehicle’s mobility and increasing the risk of accidents.
Rollovers
One of the main causes of these off-highway vehicles is rollovers. Forward and backward overturns happen as the vehicle climbs or descends steep terrain. On the other hand, rollovers happen on flat terrain as the driver tries to navigate a sharp turn. Also, the high center of gravity in these vehicles increases the risk of rollover accidents.
Driving on Pavements and Highways
UTVs and ATVs are off-highway vehicles. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission makes it clear that these vehicles shouldn’t be used on paved surfaces. Aside from that, manufacturers of these vehicles also state that these vehicles are for unpaved surfaces. That’s because their tires can be slippery. They have been designed to provide good drip on loose surfaces, but they will not hold well on paved surfaces. In addition, these cars are for adventure, and the highway or neighborhood street isn’t the place for that. You could run into another vehicle or pedestrians, causing an accident.
If you have been involved in a UTV or ATV accident, talk to a personal injury attorney about how you can get compensation. The attorney will handle the legal process for you as you recover from the injuries.