As the use of all-terrain and utility-task vehicles reaches its yearly peak, so does the number of preventable ATV accidents and fatalities occurring in West Virginia, according to West Virginia University Extension Service Mingo County 4-H Agent Mark Whitt.

“Around 40 West Virginians die each year in ATV accidents,” said Whitt. “If everyone were to educate themselves by taking a rider course and follow manufacturer guidelines, it could have a tremendous impact on those statistics.”

As of September 2015, there have been at least 20 ATV fatalities in the state of West Virginia—90 percent of those occurring without the use of helmets, according to The Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

Whitt strongly encourages anyone who plans to operate an ATV or UTV this year to take a free rider course offered by the WVU Extension Service, which provides educational training opportunities through a partnership with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles and the American Safety Institute. Thanks to a grant from the National 4-H Council, the courses are of no cost to participants and teach the basics of safe riding.

West Virginia residents interested in taking the course are able to contact their local Extension office to take a class with local deputy sheriffs, Extension agents and other public service leaders trained to offer the courses.

“A free four-hour course could prevent an otherwise tragic accident,” said Whitt.

Riders are also encouraged to take the ATV Safety Institute’s e-Course at www.atvsafety.org, which allows participants to mark a box indicating if the course is being taken through Cooperative Extension programming.

In addition to lack of proper training, Whitt says major safety risks occur when riders go against manufacturers’ guidelines, such as when parents allow children to ride machines that are too large and powerful for them.

A report published by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission claims that riders under the age of 16 make up roughly 24 percent of all ATV fatalities and comprise 21 percent of the over 100,000 estimated injuries that require an emergency room visit annually.

“Adults must supervise all ATV or UTV operators under the age of 16, just like they would if they were teaching them to drive a car,” said Whitt. “Research shows that if people do what manufacturers say in ATV and UTV user manuals, it can be a safe, family-oriented activity.”

Whitt adds that West Virginia hills and terrain offer unique challenges to riders. Preparation and checking all components of the vehicle—including fuel, tires, brakes, battery, oil, steering, wheel lugs, tire chains and grips—is critical to ensuring a safe ride.

“Riders must scout their terrain before operating an ATV or UTV so they are aware of any potential hazards,” said Whitt. “Rocks, downed trees or uneven ground can cause ejection from the vehicle or a catastrophic rollover.”

When it comes to operating UTVs, risks can be decreased if riders are aware of the maximum capacity for not only the vehicle, but also for any trailer that might be in tow. Whitt says to never allow more passengers than there are seats, and to never carry passengers in a dump bed or cargo box.

“Handling characteristics for a UTV are much different than those of an ATV, truck or golf cart,” said Whitt. “Never carry more passengers or weight than stated in the manufacturer’s guidelines, and always keep hands and feet inside of the vehicle.”

The WVU Extension Service offers additional tips for a safe riding experience:

• Wearing a helmet is one of the simplest safety measures to take to reduce the likelihood of serious injury or fatality. Most ATV and UTV fatalities are the result of head trauma.
• Always have a working cell phone, let someone know where you’re going and never ride by yourself.
• If operating or riding in a UTV, wear a seatbelt and put the safety bar in tact if there is one. Wear a helmet, goggles, long-sleeved shirt, over-ankle boots and gloves, just as a rider would with an ATV.
• West Virginia requires riders under the age of 18 to wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet while operating a vehicle in the state.
• Head trauma caused by an ATV accident is most likely to occur on a paved surface. ATVs are designed for riding only on unpaved terrain, including dirt or gravel surfaces. No ATVs have tires approved for paved surfaces.
• Manufacturers’ labels on ATVs clearly state that single-rider ATVs should not carry passengers.
• Always set the brake when parked to prevent rolling.
• When coming to intersections, look left or right before merging or making a turn.
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

For more information on ATV education and training, contact Mark Whitt at 304-235-0370 or Mark.Whitt@mail.wvu.edu.

The WVU Extension Service serves as an outreach division of West Virginia University. Extension has offices in all 55 counties, which provide citizens with knowledge in areas such as 4-H and youth development, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, health, leadership development and community and economic development.

-WVU-

bd/11/18/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

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