In many rural parts of Georgia, all-terrain vehicles are not just a recreational pleasure. They are part of the way of life. Sadly, rollover accidents are common for ATV riders.
Many people in Georgia ride ATVs and four-wheelers while farming, hunting, traveling, or surveying their land. In some areas, they are used more widely than other vehicles.
That does not mean they are treated with respect or are inherently safe. ATVs are some of the most dangerous vehicles on the market and rollover accidents are common. These types of accidents are often serious and can cause head injuries or death to riders who end up trapped under the vehicles.
A report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission noted Georgia is the 11th most dangerous state in the country for ATV deaths.
From 1982 to 2015, Georgia recorded 417 deaths from ATV accidents. The most deaths occurred in Texas where ATV accidents claimed 780 lives over the same period.
ATVs are prone to rollover accidents
Many younger people ride ATVs and they are more likely to end up injured. More than a quarter of deaths involving ATVs occurred to people aged 16 or under.
The number of accidents involving ATVs increased dramatically as they have become more widely used.
Annual ATV-related injuries increased from 10,000 in 1982 to 150,000 in 2007.
Deaths from all-terrain vehicle accidents often make headlines in Georgia.
More than six months ago, the small community of Cairo in Georgia mourned the death of 19-year-old Erica Atkinson who was killed in an ATV crash.
A news report on WCTV noted the teen lost control of the vehicle near Old Highway 84 in Boston, Georgia.
Four people were reported to be on the ATV at the time of the wreck. Two others were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
You should not ride ATVs on paved roads nor stack them with people. Always avoid riding an ATV if you have been consuming alcohol.
You should ride an age-appropriate ATV and supervise people under 16. Only ride on designated trails and stick to a safe speed. Many ATV rollover wrecks are caused by the negligence of another person.
Find out more about personal injury claims here or contact our Newnan attorney at (404) 913-1529.