Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of summer and, with it, an increase in the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) that endanger the safety and lives of Americans, the Commission published US Consumer Product Safety and Security (CPSC).
In its annual report, the CPSC warns that deaths and injuries caused by off-road vehicles saw a staggering 33% increase in OHV-related deaths in 2020 compared to 2019, the most recent years for which data is available.
Rollovers and collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects, such as a tree, were the leading causes of death. OHV occupants were frequently ejected in these types of incidents.
CPSC urgently warns all passengers to prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions to avoid tragedy.
“Driving an OHV should be an enjoyable and safe experience. Unfortunately, our annual report shows that it is often a dangerous activity,” said CPSC Chairman Alex Hoehn-Saric.
“Deaths have increased by 33% and those affected are disproportionately men. We are also seeing more deaths from OHV use in children under 16 years of age. We must reverse this trend and prioritize safe riding by wearing a helmet with proper equipment and staying off paved roads.”
The recent CPSC Annual Report on Deaths and Injuries Related to ATVs, reports on accidents caused by ATVs between 2018 and 2020, with children under 12 years of age accounting for 44% of deaths among children. minors under 16 years of age.
Older adults ages 55 and older were also affected, accounting for 30% of all OHVs. Nationally, Pennsylvania, California, West Virginia, Kentucky and Florida collectively accounted for about a quarter of the deaths.
During the entire 5-year period from 2018 to 2022, there were an estimated 504,400 injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States that were associated with OHV. This corresponds to an annual average of around 100,900 injuries treated in the emergency department during the period. Fractures, bruises/abrasions and internal organ injuries are the most common diagnoses and 76% of the injured are treated and discharged.
Key Safety Tips for Your Next OHV Adventure:
· Training – Get hands-on training from a qualified instructor.