Kentucky Has Highest Number of Fatal ATV Accidents on Roads

More people die in ATV accidents on public roads in Kentucky than in any other state, a recent article in USA Today reports.

Findings from a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety(IIHS) show that the majority of deaths from ATV wrecks in the U.S. are on public roads, even though it is illegal to drive all-terrain vehicles on them in most places. Disturbingly, Kentucky ranks first in the nation for the number of ATV fatalities on paved roads, with 122 people killed between 2007 and 2011.

Safety experts say that all-terrain vehicles aren’t built for paved surfaces. Their low-pressure tires are fine for off-road use but may not be able to handle highway speeds, which can lead to deadly crashes, particularly rollovers.

According to IIHS data, speeding was a contributing factor in 42 percent of fatal single-vehicle ATV crashes and in 19 percent of multi-vehicle collisions during the study period. Approximately 340 people die each year in ATV wrecks on public roads.

All-terrain vehicles have a notorious reputation for safety problems in the U.S., with concerns dating back to the 1980s when the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Justice Department sued manufacturers in order to stop them from making the three-wheeled models. They won in court, but the fact remains that existing ATVs are involved in thousands of fatal accidents each year. Between 1982 and 2011, 539 people died in ATV accidents in Kentucky, according to federal data.

When an accident happens, a number of parties may be held responsible for the damage caused. Design flaws or inadequate warning labels may mean that an ATV manufacturer could be liable for any injuries that arise as a result of its negligence.

Individual recklessness is another common cause of ATV accidents. Because ATVs are largely recreational vehicles, it may be difficult for people to view them as just as deadly as a car or other motor vehicle.

IIHS officials noted that ATV users tend to engage in “risky behavior” that can lead to tragic crashes. For example, driving under the influence of alcohol was cited as a contributing factor in the report, with 43 percent of drivers found to be legally drunk. In those types of cases, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the responsible person and obtain compensation for your injuries.

Kentucky is a wonderful state for anyone who loves the outdoors, with so many places to explore and enjoy. The key is to do it safely. It is essential for ATV enthusiasts to realize that’s it’s dangerous to drive on public roads, and that even the most sober and well-trained driver may not be able to compensate for a vehicle that isn’t equipped to handle the road conditions.

Read these facts to learn more about ATV safety in Kentucky.