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Newsletter Issue No. 05 |
Reducing Risky Behavior on ATVsDriving more carefully on an ATV will reduce injuries unless there are manufacturer defects with the vehicle. |
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There is an old saying that goes along the lines of "just because you can doesn't mean you should." This sentiment is simple basic common sense. Yet, it will often elude people when they assume they have a level of expertise in a subject. These people should, however, apply a bit of caution when the subject of their expertise involves risky behavior. Now, while risky behavior can be defined as any type of behavior that comes with a chance for injury many will often mistake risky behavior for reckless behavior. The two are not as connected to each other to the degree one would initially assume. This is evidenced in the world of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). Again, there is a certain level of risk associated with riding an ATV. The level of risk will most definitely increase if the operation of the vehicle is reckless. That is, if the rider of the vehicle is driving too fast or, worse, is driving under the influence then the increased risk of an accident will be likely. Then again, the mere fact than an ATV is an off road vehicle also raises the level of risk. Dirt trails are often permeated with muddy puddles and are not exactly easy surfaces to ride on. But, if you are riding the vehicle properly then the risk of an accident decreases. Also, the end result of the accident could prove to be less catastrophic than it would be if the behavior was reckless. For example, in one were to ride the ATV in a slow and controlled manner and hit a bump in the road any accident that results will yield far less serious injuries that what would occur if one hit the bump at an excessive speed. Proper operation of the vehicle can even aid in reducing the dangers and risks presented by manufacturer defects. Some ATVs come with a number of design flaws such as rollover risks. If the rider was to experience a rollover while driving an incredibly unsafe speed and that chance for injury will be significantly more than if the rollover occurred at a safe speed. Of course, the manufacturer is never left off the hook for its design negligence but the owner should also reduce the dangers of design flaws through safer operation of the ATV. ASK A PHILADELPHIA LAWYER... TO FIND OUT WHETHER A LAWYER AT ANAPOL SCHWARTZ CAN HELP. |
Under Aged Drivers and ATVsThere have been a number of accidents due to under-aged drivers riding ATV's. |
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While no one would ever argue that any accidents that have occurred while riding an All Terrain Vehicle are a good thing they have raised public awareness of the dangers. And, yes, some good has come out of this increased public awareness regarding the dangers of ATVs. In Massachusetts, for example, the state senate has voted to increase safety regulations on the operation of these vehicles. These increased regulations are not excessive and are rooted in logic. The crux of these safety regulations centers on the ability to maintain age limits for riders of the vehicles. This is because there were a number of increased accidents involving adolescents under the age of 18. In one week alone, two teenagers under the age of 16 where emitted to emergency rooms after ATV related accidents. |
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These accidents came on the heels of a number of increased brain injuries and instances of paralysis associated with the operation of ATVs. Based upon review of statistical data, it was revealed that these types of vehicles were a common thread among most accidents involving the under-aged. Part of the problem here lies with the fact that these vehicles are often looked at as a little more than big toys. As a result, legislatures paid a decided lack of attention to safety concerns regarding the operation of these vehicles. This is why under-aged driving became commonplace. Sadly, this also led to an increase in accidents. As a result, more laws are being put in place to protect those who drive these vehicles as well as punish those who act in a negligent fashion. Granted, while these laws are specific to Massachusetts it is not impossible that this could lead to a trend in other states. If it does then hopefully a reduction in accidents will be the result. ASK A PHILADELPHIA LAWYER... TO FIND OUT WHETHER A LAWYER AT ANAPOL SCHWARTZ CAN HELP. |
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