ATVs Unsuitable for Farming
ATVs are advertised as an “all-terrain vehicle”, however, these machines are not stable. Safety Science published a safety report that this booming $230 million market does not have rollover protection.
About ATVs
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV), also known as a quad, quad bike, three-wheeler, four-wheeler or quadricycle as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control.
In 1971, most ATVs were three-wheelers. However, manufacturers recalled them since they rolled over so easily. A 1987 lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department stopped the production of the three-wheeled vehicles. Still, stores still sold around 2.4 million three-wheelers, and many still use them today. In addition to ATVs recreational uses, all-terrain vehicles are commonly used for ranching and handling livestock, farming, racing, cargo transportation and transportation between remote rural locations.
ATV Rollovers
In 2014, a study found that out of 130 ATV rollovers, side rolls made up 47%, rear 44%, and forward rolls 9%. Most surprising is the speed at which these rollovers occurred. It was very low with 86% of the rolls occurring at speeds of 10 mph or less and 53% occurring at less than 3 mph.
ATV Rollovers are increasingly common. The latest research found quads were are vulnerable to a rollover when traveling around farming environments. This is because farms include bumps and grassy slopes. These may not seem hazardous, but on an ATV it is downright dangerous. ATV injuries and fatalities on farms and ranches are widespread and increasing. NIOSH identified 2,090 ATV injuries and 321 ATV fatalities between 2003 and 2011, with three out of five of the occupational deaths occurring in agriculture.
ATV Rollovers are Manufacturer Responsibility
ATVs are widely recognized as being unsafe. Designers and manufacturers of ATVs have an obligation to make sure their products are as safe as possible. If an ATV injured or killed you or one of your family members, a manufacturer could give you compensation. Manufacturers who design and distribute unsafely. ATV vehicles should pay you for the losses you suffer due to using them. Also, You deserve compensation.
Most ATV accidents result from defective parts. These can cause vehicle-handling issues and also a lag in response time. Unfortunately, this causes many people to roll their ATV. Manufacturers made these vehicles for driving off-road, but they still aren’t safe.
Many consumer advocacy groups feel that ATV manufacturers are responsible for a failure to educate properly about the potential dangers and also the hazards. Failing to adequately prepare consumers for the risks of ATVs makes the manufacturers liable for certain injuries or deaths caused as a result of ATV accidents.