According to §111 of the California Vehicle Code, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a motor vehicle designed to get off a highway with one driver, which is less than 900 pounds and less than fifty inches wide. It must also have at least three tires, have one seat for the operator and must be capable of carrying no more than one passenger.
It is known that these vehicles, although they are a common source of pleasure and pleasure, cause some devastating accidents. According to ATVSafety.gov, the website managed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2009 recorded nearly four hundred deaths from ATVs and more than 130,000 visits to the emergency room to treat injuries associated with this type of accident. It is reported that more than 500 deaths from 1982 to 2009 were reported in the state of California alone, more than 100 of which were children under 16 years of age.
These figures have gradually decreased over the years (for example, in 2006 there were more than 800 deaths, unlawful), but it is still not low enough. For this reason, ATVSafety.gov has committed itself to equip ATV enthusiasts with knowledge to help prevent these types of accidents. These safety guidelines range from warning operators to avoid driving on asphalt roads, to always wear safety gear and not carry passengers.
One of the most recommended safety tips is learning a practical safety course with a certified instructor. It was found that those who have experience with these types of vehicles have a much lower risk of falling into a catastrophic disaster. For this reason, the ATV Safety Institute (along with ATV groups, the State Department and agencies) offers courses for racers to make them more comfortable and educated about the operation of their cars.
Protective gear is also one of the most important factors helping to protect oneself from catastrophic injury. Head injuries are the most common result of an accident involving a quad bike, so a helmet is often the most recommended. This does not mean, however, that there are no other pieces of equipment that should not be used. For example, operators should also wear boots, goggles, gloves, and clothing that are long in both hand and foot.
Finally, it is recommended that the quad bike never works with more than one passenger. Even in situations where the vehicle claims that it is safe for the passenger, it is usually impractical (especially with young children). These types of vehicles are designed to control the operator, who is able to interact with changing conditions, moving weight and body position. Since passengers cannot have direct contact with driving, they sometimes do not know how to move correctly and can make it difficult to make sure that the vehicle is moving at a safe speed and direction.
Although these safety guidelines are a good step towards reducing the number of these accidents, they do not completely eliminate them. Unfortunately, no matter how safe the operator is, sometimes mitigating circumstances arise that simply cannot be controlled - regardless of whether it is a faulty part of the vehicle or another careless operator.
If you were recently injured in a quad bike accident, it is highly recommended that you get legal assistance from an experienced injury lawyer you can trust. By working with a knowledgeable lawyer, you can review your case and determine the best course of action. Perhaps you may have reason to file a lawsuit, so don’t wait - call a lawyer today!
