How Has the CPSC Spotlighted the Significant Increase in Deaths Involving Off-Highway Vehicles?
A recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlighted a disturbing increase in fatalities in accidents involving off-highway vehicles (OHV), especially among younger children. To combat this trend, the agency has highlighted various safety tips and efforts that riders should follow to reduce their chances of getting into a devastating accident while riding an off-highway vehicle.
Overview of Off-Highway Vehicle Accidents
OHVs are motorized vehicles designed for use off paved roads. Examples of off-highway vehicles include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and quad bikes. People typically ride off-highway vehicles along rural trails for recreation. However, off-highway vehicle accidents can occur due to various factors, including dangerous trail conditions and operator inexperience, carelessness, or recklessness. Defective design and manufacturing can play a role in some off-road vehicle accidents.
Examples of OHV accidents include rollovers and tip-overs, collisions with stationary objects (such as trees or boulders), and collisions with other vehicles.
Some of the most frequent causes of OHV accidents include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Distracted operation
- Drowsy or fatigued operation
- Operating an OHV under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving over unsafe terrain
- Operator inexperience
- Inadequate OHV maintenance
- Reckless operation, including excessive speeding or horseplay
Factors Contributing to the Increase in OHV Deaths and Injuries
The CPSC has noted an increase in injuries and deaths from OHV accidents in recent years, which the agency attributes to the fact that many OHV accidents result in operators or passengers getting ejected or thrown off their vehicles. The CSPC notes that the highest rates of OHV accident fatalities occurred among children under 16 and adults 55 and older.
The high rates of child deaths in OHV accidents may occur because of children’s lack of experience operating OHVs or younger children operating OHVs intended for adults, which have wider handlebars and more powerful engines that children cannot safely control. The agency also notes that deaths may have increased due to people operating OHVs on public roads, where they face the risk of collisions with cars and trucks.
OHV Safety Recommendations from CPSC
The CPSC has issued various safety tips and recommendations that OHV operators should follow to reduce their risk of getting into accidents while riding off-highway vehicles, including:
- Undergoing hands-on training with OHVs provided by qualified instructors
- Refraining from carrying more passengers than manufacturer-installed seats on the OHV
- Staying off public roads except where trails cross public roads or where permitted by law
- Avoiding drug or alcohol consumption before riding
- Keeping riders under 16 off adult OHVs and on vehicles designed for youth riders
- Always wearing safety gear, including helmets, eye protection, pants, long sleeves, gloves, and boots
Get Help from Our OHV Accident Attorneys
If you’ve suffered injuries in an OHV accident, our experienced Florida OHV accident attorneys want to help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses and other losses to rebuild your life after an accident.
Contact Rosen & Ohr, P.A., today for a free consultation to discuss how we can fight for the financial recovery you need and deserve.
