In 2022, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that it was “aware of 2,211 deaths associated with off-highway vehicles” between 2016 and 2018. Of that 2,211, 1,591 were all-terrain vehicles.
Curt Porterfield, Virginia Tech Health and Safety Training Coordinator, advises that all ATV riders understand the hazards associated with use of an ATV or UTV, evaluate their risk when using ATVs in farming activity, control that risk by following ATV operation safe practices, and use appropriate personal protective equipment whenever operating an ATV.
“ATVs are one of the most common and most dangerous pieces of equipment on today’s farm,” Porterfield says. “Every year, an average of 500 people die and another 100,000 are seriously injured while operating an ATV.”
In the southwest United States, ATV-related injuries and deaths increased nearly 30% since 2021. Statistics from those incidents reveal that an average hospital stay for an ATV-related injury averages 7.5 days. The average cost of the hospital stay is $127,000 or more.
“Another statistic from these accidents shows that only 10.3% of the adults involved were wearing a helmet,” Porterfield says. “Just wearing a helmet and the other appropriate PPE is crucial to safely operating an ATV.”
Porterfield, who is also a beef producer, knows that it’s natural for children to want to do what their parents do on the farm. On many farm operations, that includes using an ATV.
“Children make up about 33% of patients who are injured while operating an ATV,” he says. “It’s so enticing for children to demonstrate how grown up they are by helping with farm activities. It’s equally easy for parents to agree to having them jump on the ATV to check cattle or go get some water while you’re harvesting. It’s easy to forget that operating that ATV puts them at risk.”
Full-sized ATVs are restricted for sale to those 16 years of age and older and should only be used by those who are 16 and older. There are many youths-sized ATVs on the market. These smaller and slower ATVs reduce the risk of crushing but still pose a significant risk for injuries and fatalities if not used properly.
Porterfield points out that every state has laws regarding ATV use. Knowing and respecting them can result in saving a life. Laws may require registering or titling an ATV, possessing liability insurance, limiting where you can ride, requiring lights and other accessories, etc. Laws for each state can be found at www.atvsafety.org.
“Don’t work alone with your ATV,” Porterfield says. “If you must operate the ATV in an isolated area, make sure someone knows when to expect your return and knows the route you’re taking. If weather conditions are threatening, have a plan to find shelter.”
Find ATV safety videos and resources at atvsafety.org/atv-ecourse and www.unmc.edu/publichealth/cscash/resources.
