This past week, Newton County, Texas lost two of its young people, a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, to tragic ATV accidents. 12-year-old Tory Foster was on the back of a Honda ATV with 4 riders. He fell backwards off the ATV and received fatal injuries from the accident.
14-year-old Brandon McCain from Bon Weir was driving a Honda ATV on County Road 4067 when he was hit by a Toyota Camry in the intersection with FM 2460. Both Newton County boys were without helmets at the time of their accidents, and both died at the hospital in Jasper. (Source: www.12newsnow.com, 8/2/13) Our hearts and prayers are with the two boys’ families and the residents of Newton County after their tragic losses this week.
The Alvin, Texas ATV accident attorneys at Denena Points, PC note that while helmets could help reduce the risk of serious injuries in ATV accidents, the greatest threats to riders generally come from the danger of rollovers. For instance, as riders and passengers fall off during an ATV’s uphill climb, the vehicle often rolls back down on top of them. And ATVs in tight, fast turns sometimes spin their riders off and then run or roll over them.
Though ATVs perhaps don’t seem very threatening in comparison with enclosed passenger vehicles or semi trucks, our Alvin, Texas ATV accident attorneys point out that an ATV is still a heavy vehicle containing lots of metal. The fragile human body is vulnerable next to the power of an ATV. And many serious injuries occur when an ATV throws a rider off at high speed.
Some models of ATVs include high backs with safety harnesses and/or seat belts. And some have roll bars to try and help prevent accidents. But ATVs have a high center of gravity, which makes them likely to turn over or tip into a roll on steep inclines, tight curves or turns, or at high speeds. And by their nature, ATVs are designed to be taken off-road where uneven terrain and mud increase their chances of crashing.
Studies have shown that younger drivers (under age 16) don’t have the proper arm reach, strength, or weight to safely control an adult-sized ATV. Our Alvin, Texas ATV accident attorneys emphasize that young riders need youth-sized ATVs for their safety.
Because they are designed to be open, hardy, All Terrain Vehicles, ATVs will tend to remain potentially dangerous even when safety features like roll bars and seat belts are added. To reduce your risks, the Alvin, Texas ATV accident attorneys at Denena Points, PC urge you to take an ATV rider safety course if possible; wear a helmet while riding; don’t take needless risks as you ride; and learn the limitations of yourself and your vehicle. Click the link to learn some useful ATV safety tips.