ATV Safety Is Not Just For The Younger Generation - Gainesville and Ocala Accident Attorney Explains Why

Children and teenagers are the group with the highest ATV accident rates. However, senior citizens are at risk as well, especially in Florida. 

Earlier this year, a Lake City man was hospitalized in critical condition when the all terrain vehicle (ATV) he was driving went into a ditch and overturned.  The accident occurred when the 64 year old man was driving a 2005 Arctic Cat ATV west on Airstrip Road, a dirt and grassy private road located 10 miles west of Branford in Lafayette County.  Florida Highway Patrol reported that for some unknown reason, the man sharply steered to the left and traveled into a drainage ditch on the south side of the road, where the ATV rolled over and ejected the man. 

ATVs are rapidly becoming more popular with people from all ages, but there has been a noticeably sharp increase in popularity among senior citizens.  One reason for this increased interest is that senior citizens are generally retired and thus have extra time for recreational activities such as ATV riding.  Of course, the senior citizens’ interest in ATVs is particularly strong in Florida due to the large number of retirees in our state.

National and state statistics show that senior citizens are not the group with the highest ATV accident rate, children and teenagers are.  Older ATV riders involved in an accident, however, typically have poorer outcomes once hospitalized.  They are also more likely to die once hospitalized and are more frequently discharged to another care facility for more serious treatment.  ATV accident patients older than 50 also suffer more frequent and severe chest and head injuries than younger riders and often experience greater complications, greater disability, and longer hospital stays.  Studies also reveal a sharp increase in ATV-related deaths in people 65 and older.

ATV accidents like the recent one in Lafayette County and recent reports and findings clearly show that older adults are an important group to consider when discussing ATV safety.  Public health prevention and state legislative actions should consider older age as an important factor in preventing ATV-related injuries.

A reminder to all ATV riders – ATV’s can easily roll over. Severe head, brain and neck trauma often result from the roll over.  Crushing injuries that frequently result in amputations of arms, legs, fingers and permanent disabilities are caused by the roll overs in an alarming number.  Please, be safe and know the the 3 basic laws pertaining to ATVs

For more information on ATV safety, please see:

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