Blog - Trantolo Law
ATV Injuries -
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The recent number and severity of ATV injuries makes us wonder when the government is going to take notice and place some regulations on the operation of these vehicles. ATVs are used for a variety of recreational and work-related outdoor activities. Although they may seem relatively harmless, ATVs weigh more than half a ton and can travel at speeds in excess of 55 mph, making them a potentially dangerous piece of machinery.
It is estimated that 200 to 300 people are killed each year as a result of ATV accidents, approximately 40% of which are under the age of 16. Most states do not enforce age restrictions on ATVs, creating a situation in which young people with no previous driving experience are playing with a dangerous vehicle that could cost them their lives.
ATV accidents can result in serious personal injuries that include: brain injury, burn injury, spinal cord injury and paralysis. Of the serious personal injuries caused as a result of ATV accidents, statistics have shown that approximately 75% cause severe damage to the head, neck and spine, often resulting in long term disability and/or paralysis.
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2 Comments:
Just a little over a year ago I was crushed by my ATV after going up a hill which was to steep for the machine.
The accident was entirely my fault because I chose not to use the machine as the manufacturer recommended.
There was nothing the government could have done to prevent this accident. No regulations would have stopped me from going up the hill. I just didn't have enough common sense at the time.
Luckily I have been able to recover from over 20 breaks to my pelvis and was able to ride 2,400 miles this past year. I don't climb hills anymore and won't exceed the manufacturers recommendations again.
I do however agree that children and ATV's don't mix and this is one area where more regulation is needed. There are to many parents out there who just don't understand how dangerous the machines are and most children don't have enough information to make a mature decision about riding a fun machine.
ATVS AREN'T DANGEROUS, PEOPLE ARE.
I RECENTLY CRASHED MY ATV INTO SOME TREES. I SUFFERED A CONCUSSION AND A FRACTURED BACK IN THREE PLACES. I WASN'T WEARING A HELMET AND I WAS GOING WAY TO FAST FOR THE CONDITIONS. IN NO WAY WAS THAT THE GOVERNMENTS FAULT OR THE ATV'S FAULT.
I WAS JUST AN IDIOT! I DO PLAN TO RIDE MY ATV WITH RESPECT FOR IT, OF COURSE, AFTER I RECOVER.
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