"Protecting Your Rights"
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"Protecting Your Rights"
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| Interesting Legal FactsATV Accidents All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) are either 3 or 4-wheeled vehicles, which are similar in nature to motorcycles, and are made to navigate rough terrain at speeds as high as 75 mph. They have become so popular in the United States that they are one of the fastest selling recreational vehicles of the motor-sports industry. In 2002 sales of ATV’s in the United States totaled 825,000. This number is more than the number of small pickup trucks sold. Along with the increase in sales of ATV’s came an increase in the number of deaths and serious injuries to ATV riders. The Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission released a report that 357 people died in ATV crashes in 2002. This number was up 67% from 1997. Also, the number of serious injuries to ATV riders more than doubled during the same time period, with 113,900 injured riders. Since 1992 approximately one-third of the injuries have been to minors under the age of 16. A child is 12 times more likely to be fatally injured in an ATV accident than in a bicycle accident. Although Federal Regulations were implemented in the 1980’s to prohibit manufacturers from making 3-wheel ATV’s, 4-wheel ATV’s that are similar to their 3-wheel counterparts, are subject to minimal if any regulations. Unlike other motor vehicles, the national Highway Traffic Safety Administration does not regulate ATV’s because they are designed for off-road use rather than highway use. In addition, the Consumer Protection Safety Committee has investigated allegations of safety problems but has not made any determination of improper design. To date only 10 states require that ATV drivers have a driver’s license. Of the 27 states that set a minimum age for ATV drivers, 2/3rds of those states allow for 12-year old drivers. Thirty-Four states bar most uses of ATV’s on paved roadways, but the laws are frequently ignored, and only 20 states require riders to wear helmets. The attorneys at Shapero & Roloff, Co. L.P.A. have successfully litigated lawsuits against ATV manufacturers. If you have any questions regarding ATV accidents, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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