Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City & Inverness, Florida Accident Attorney and Alachua County DUI Lawyer Blogs

Enjoy the Fall weather - 2 things you should know to be safe and legal on your off-road vehicle

As an accident attorney that believes in public education and in the prevention of accidents, I would like to give a heads up regarding off-road motorized vehicles, such as go-karts. 

Over the summer there were several tragic accidents that occurred on public lands when go-karts met road vehicles; here are 2 important points to remember for safe and legal off-road vehicle use:

           1. Stay off public streets and roads! Operating most off-highway vehicles on public land is against the law. This is due to many reasons, mainly, just as what happened this summer - the likelihood of getting hit by a passing car or a truck and suffering a serious injury or even death is much higher on a public roadway.

           2. Wear a safety helmet and protective gear! Remember, drivers under 16 must wear a helmet and eye protection at all times when riding an off-highway vehicle, such as an ATV or a go-kart. Wearing a safety helmet is recommended for everyone, to prevent serious head injury such as traumatic brain injury and may even save your life. Remember, helmets serve as a cushion to protect your head - one of the most vulnerable places in a crash or an accident.

Fall weather will be in the Gainesville and Ocala area soon, a nice time to get out and enjoy the outdoors.  If an ATV or another such recreation vehicle is part of your plans, please take a few moments and review the laws regarding your vehicle's operation.  Please see:

The ABCs of off-highway and recreational vehicle use: ATVs, go-karts, and golf carts