ATV Accidents Statistics & Illinois Death Reveal Importance of ATV Safety
While ATV vehicles are meant for recreational use, their dangers should not be underestimated. Earlier this month, a 30-year-old man was killed in an Illinois ATV accident with a tractor-trailer in Alexander County. Kevin A. Poppen was pronounced dead at the scene after he failed to stop his ATV at a stop sign and struck the right front tire of the passing tractor trailer, according to a story in today's Southeast Missourian.
In detailing the need for safety when driving all-terrain vehicles, today’s Southeast Missourian story also cites some interesting statistics on ATV accidents:
• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission attributes nearly 6,500 deaths over the last 23 years to ATV accidents. More than 2,000 of those deaths involved children under the age of 16. A child as young as six years old may legally operate an ATV vehicle under adult supervision.
• Missouri was ranked 13th in the United States with 46 ATV deaths from 2002 through 2004. Kentucky led with 106 ATV deaths in that time period. There were 210 reported Missouri ATV accidents in 2005 with 172 injuries and 18 fatalities, according to the state’s Highway Patrol.
Avoid personal injuries from ATV accidents by following all local statutes, driving diligently at appropriate speeds, wearing necessary safety gear including helmets, and supervising your children when on these vehicles.