Though this demographic represents 20 percent of four wheeler riders, it experiences 65 percent of fatalities.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s most recent data regarding the use of all terrain vehicles has shown that while the agricultural community represents about one in five riders, it also represents more than two out of every three fatalities, showing the importance of adherence to proper ATV safety tips.
Although the figures from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety do suggest that using these vehicles for agriculture is more dangerous than for other purposes, this is likely not the case. Instead, it could be that people who are using the vehicles for agricultural purposes are not following the proper ATV safety tips in order to prevent crashes. It is believed that in those situations, there is a greater lack of precaution taken by riders.
Learning ATV safety tips can be very important for all riders, including those using the vehicles for agricultural purposes.
Riders of ATVs who are working on completing agricultural tasks find themselves in many different situations that can involve rapid, sharp turns, high speeds, and heading up and down very steep slopes. If appropriate precautions have not been taken – such as keeping the right safety equipment handy, and using proper riding techniques – then the situation can be made considerably more dangerous and less productive than it needs to be.
It is important for all riders of ATVs to obey the law, and to prepare for the unforeseen, such as with training for the use of the vehicle, keeping first aid equipment on the machine, and purchasing the right insurance policy to cover an emergency.
In an agricultural setting, it is all too common for youth to ride without meeting age requirements. In Montana, for example, all operators must be at least 16 years old unless they are being supervised by an adult. Everyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet – though it is recommended for riders of all ages – and only approved ATVs can take passengers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed that in 2011, there were more than 107,000 injuries from accidents on these vehicles requiring emergency care. One quarter of those were riders under the age of 16. By following the right ATV safety tips, many could have been avoided, altogether.