Georgia Personal Injury Attorney Discusses ATV Safety and How to Avoid Injuries or Death

All-terrain vehicles, commonly known as ATVs, are enjoyable and exciting vehicles that provide entertainment, fun, and purpose to both children and adults.  However, like any other motor vehicle, ATVs can be dangerous, posing a risk of harm to both the drivers and passengers.  Because there is a risk of suffering an injury while operating an ATV or being a passenger, it is important to follow basic safety guidelines promulgated by the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (ASI) to ensure riders are taking all possible safety measures to reduce the chance of being involved in an accident.

ATV Safety Tips to Follow

First and foremost, all drivers and passengers of ATVs should wear helmets that are certified by the Georgia Department of Transportation.  Not every helmet out there may comply with safety regulations, and therefore may not provide the necessary protection needed if an accident happens.  As such, finding the right type of helmet can be critical to reducing the chance of suffering a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an ATV accident.

Second, drivers of ATVs should follow the rules and only operate an ATV as intended.  For example, if an ATV is meant for only one rider, then that ATV should have no passengers.  On the other hand, if an ATV does allow for one passenger, that passenger must be sitting in a safe and secure manner.  You should not allow any more passengers on an ATV than intended, as doing so can increase the risk of an accident happening.

ATV drivers should also wear protective clothing to cover up every part of their body.  Such clothing includes long sleeves and pants, protective shoes or boots that cover the ankles, and in some situations, gloves.  Additionally, ATVs should not be operated on paved roads unless only doing so to cross a street.  Operating an ATV on a paved road can be extremely dangerous, as the ATV is at risk of being struck by a larger motor vehicle.  ATVs are off-road vehicles and should only be operated in such a manner.  Operating an ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs should also be avoided as the risks are the same for ATV drivers as they are for drivers of ordinary passenger vehicles.  Being under the influence of any drugs or alcohol can make it extremely dangerous to operate an ATV safely.

Children under the age of 16 should be supervised when operating and riding ATVs.  Moreover, ATVs also vary in size based on the age and size of a person, meaning people should not ride in ATVs not suited for their age or body size.  Lastly, both children and adults alike must always remember that ATVs are not toys, regardless of how enjoyable they are as a recreational activity.  Injury sustained in the course of an ATV accident caused by someone else's negligence can be catastrophic, causing permanent damage that can alter a person's way of life forever.  

Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!

If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else's negligence, contact Montlick & Associates today for your free consultation. Montlick & Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. Our personal injury lawyers in Georgia have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast for over 39 years.

No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Source: http://www.atvsafety.org/BeforeYouRide.aspx                       

Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333