All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety
All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, are a popular mode of recreation across the country and here in Connecticut. Similar to other recreational activities, following safety procedures can keep a fun outing from turning into a tragedy. In 2019, according to the US Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 259 people nationwide died in ATV crashes. That same year in Connecticut, there were four fatal ATV crashes and an additional twenty-nine injury crashes. So far in 2021, there have already been three reported serious injury or fatal ATV crashes in Connecticut. These crashes and the resulting injuries and deaths are preventable.
The ATV Safety Institute’s website has valuable information for parents of children who want to ride ATVS and for adults who want to ride as well. Learning how to properly handle the vehicle, the safety precautions one should take prior to and while riding it, and knowing the relevant state laws about ATVs are essential tools to keep the activity safe and fun.
As the summer approaches, outdoor recreation, including ATV riding, will increase. Proper training, following the above Golden Rules as well as the state laws, and keeping safety the number one priority will help ensure that all ATV riders and passengers make it home.
For more information and assistance with local road safety in your community, contact Melissa Evans, Safety Circuit Rider, at melissa.evans@uconn.edu.
Resources:
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/motorcycles-and-atvs
Connecticut Training & Technical Assistance Center Blog 