ATV Accidents By The Numbers: Part 2

To continue Attorney Doug Stoehr's recent blog posts relating to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use, injury, and death, more information is reported from a February 2013 report compiled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).  This report provided a picture of the frequency and severity of accidents surrounding American ATV users in the past twenty or so years.  

The CPSC reported a number of interesting statistics and facts relating to ATV use, which includes the following:

• In 2010, there was an estimated 10.4 million ATVs in use across the country.  
• At that time, there was a fatality risk of 0.7 per 10,000 ATVs in use. This means that out of 100,000 ATVs in use, about 7 people will be killed while riding one. 
• In 2011, 52% of children under the age of 12 were responsible for the total number of ATV-related injuries in children.
• The CPSC estimated a 98.8 person injury frequency per 10,000 ATV vehicles in use in 2011. This means that out of 100,000 ATVs in use, about 988 people will be injured while riding one. 

As noted above and in previous posts, ATV use can be extremely dangerous in certain situations.  Children appear to be the most susceptible, and account for a large portion of ATV injuries and deaths.  Children under the age of 12 may be especially at risk for harm. Please exercise caution when riding your ATV, wear a helmet, and remain at a safe speed.  Also, do not ride your ATV when the weather or trail conditions suggest a heightened risk for injury.

ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles are a leading cause of serious injury among Pennsylvanians, especially among our state’s youth.   Attorney Doug Stoehr of Altoona, PA handles cases involving injury as a result of accidents involving off-road vehicles.  For more information about Attorney Doug Stoehr and his central Pennsylvania practice, please visit his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com or call his law firm at 814-946-4100.

Interested in learning more? Check out the complete CPSC report, which can be found here: http://www.cpsc.gov//Global/Research-and-Statistics/Injury-Statistics/atv2011.pdf.