ATVs can be a great recreational pastime in the summertime. The can allow riders to explore the wilderness that surrounds their area and show them new ways of seeing their community. Unfortunately, there are life-threatening risks that follow with this pastime.
Recently a 17-year-old girl was killed in an ATV accident. The accident occurred when the victim drove onto a road in a rural area, and an oncoming truck struck her. The victim died at the scene of the accident, and her friend also sustained critical injuries.
Other methods of injuries
While oncoming vehicles are a severe danger to ATV riders, secluded areas can also be just as dangerous. ATVs can reach speeds of up to 80mph, making it extremely difficult to look out for hazards on riding trails or in the woods.
When off the beaten path, the wilderness can have very uneven terrain. From open fields to heavily wooded areas, minor pits in the ground can catch a tire and send both the vehicle and the rider sprawling. If an ATV lands on the rider this way, it can trap a person underneath, leaving them unable to get the help they need.
Another hidden danger includes wire fencing. In rural wooded areas, landowners can place barbed-wire fences on the borders of their property. These wires are nearly invisible at high speeds during the day or night. A thin wire can cut through a person traveling at almost 80 miles per hour, making it extremely dangerous to travel in unfamiliar areas.
Know your surroundings
If a rider wants to increase the safety of using an ATV, they should familiarize themselves with their surroundings, and only travel through areas that they have previously inspected. While avoiding roads is ideal, equipping an ATV with proper headlights and signals can protect the rider from tragedy.
