Relaxed State, Local Laws Part of the Problem

Where does your state rank for ATV fatalities? Check here.

Start your engines! Summer is here, and the longer, warmer days bring plenty of opportunity for ATV off-road recreation. As the popularity of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has risen to an all-time high, so too have deaths and injuries. Despite warnings from manufacturers, federal agencies, and consumer and safety advocates that ATVs are unsafe on roadways, they’re showing up there more and more, partly because of relaxed state and local laws. The result? Nearly two-thirds of fatal ATV crashes occur on public or private roads. Yet, ATVs continue to share the roads with cars and trucks in cities, towns and counties across the country. Before you strap on a helmet and turn the key, you should know the risks associated with these powerful vehicles. Stats, Safety Tips Ahead >>>

BY THE NUMBERS /

#1 Danger	ATVs cause more deaths and injuries than almost any other product under the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s jurisdiction, impacting the lives of more than 100,000 families every year.
13,043 Deaths	Between 1982 and 2013, there were 13,043 ATV-related fatalities; 3,023 of those were children younger than 16. [Download Report]
35 States	Despite warnings from manufacturers, federal agencies and consumer advocates that ATVs are unsafe on roadways, 35 states (or 69 percent) allow ATVs on certain roads. [Download Report]