All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, are relatively new but quickly gaining in popularity. ATV sales increase each year – but the number of ATV accidents and ATV accident injuries has also skyrocketed. While many other vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles, have safety regulations and licensing, there are very few safety requirements for ATVs thus far. For example, there are no laws requiring ATV riders to wear helmets or even to be a minimum age. In addition, ATV drivers do not have to pass a skill test or even read the manual before getting on a vehicle.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that around 125,000 people are injured while riding ATVs in the United States and around 600 people are killed in ATV accidents. Among the most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal chord injuries, and back injuries.

What are the most common causes of serious ATV injuries?

Some also believe that many ATVs are unstable. Especially since they are often driven off-roads and sometimes driven recklessly, ATVs are often involved in rollover accidents – accidents in which riders can become crushed under the vehicle or in which riders can sustain serious head injuries and neck injuries.