California is one of five states that accounts for 25 percent of all reported ATV-related deaths in America. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that there are about 650 deaths and 100,000 injuries associated with All Terrain Vehicles each year, nationwide. Data shows that five states account for a quarter of all ATV-related crash deaths. California is one of those states, and comes in second place, right behind Texas, with the highest number of ATV-related deaths in the nation. The CPSC analyzed data from 1982 through 2012 to determine where most ATV crash deaths were occurring.
ATV-Related Crash Deaths Between 1982 and 2012
- Texas: 698
- California: 654
- West Virginia: 641
- Pennsylvania: 635
- Kentucky: 580
ATV Crash Deaths in The U.S.
The CPSC has received reports of 14,129 ATV-crash related deaths occurring between 1982 and 2015. A total of 340 of those deaths happened in 2015 alone. As reporting is increased, additional data for recent years, including 2013 through 2015, is expected to rise. Through the analysis of thousands of fatal ATV crashes, the CPSC has put together a list of safety tips for riders, which can help to minimize risk of potentially fatal and injury causing crashes.
CPSC’s ATV Safety Tips
- Don’t ride on roads.
- Don’t allow children younger than 16 to operate or ride as a passenger on an adult ATV.
- Do not drive with a passenger or ride as a passenger on a single-rider model ATV.
- Always wear a helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves and other protective gear.
- Get hands-on training from a qualified instructor.
ATV Safety in California
All Terrain Vehicles, such as four-wheelers, are fun and functional vehicles for ranchers and hobbyists throughout the State of California. Riding safe means taking all necessary safety precautions and ensuring those who ride your four-wheelers are safe too. Many injury-causing and fatal ATV accidents happen to riders who are not the owners of the vehicles. All ATV riders need to be trained and fully briefed the challenges and unique safety issues associated with these vehicles.
Alexander Law Group, LLP is always ready to answer questions and share the results of our research and experience with the public. Our goal is to make a difference for our clients and our community.
