Congressman’s Death Highlights The Dangers of Operating An ATV

As the popularity of ATV’s (all-terrain vehicles) increases the Georgia injury lawyers at Finch McCranie, LLP see more ATV accidents resulting in death and serious injuries each year. Even experienced riders must be very careful when operating an ATV. On April 18th of this year, former Utah Congressman Bill Orton, age 60, died while operating his ATV. According to authorities, he was riding out on the sand and went off a very steep sand dune, and when he impacted the bottom, the front end of the four-wheeler flipped on top of him, fatally injuring him. At the time of his accident, he was wearing a helmet.
According to ATVSafety.gov, a web site maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 268 “reported” ATV deaths in Georgia 1982 and 2007; however, this figure is likely low.
Experience is important when operating an ATV. All new riders should take a training course. These courses are offered nationwide and are usually offered free when purchasing an ATV from a dealer. Although many ATV injuries or deaths result from careless operation of the machine, many result from the negligence of third parties. Some accidents are the result of dangerous products like faulty brakes or steering components. If you or a loved one has been injured on an ATV, take care to preserve the ATV, including all parts, and consult one of the Georgia ATV injury lawyers at Finch McCranie, LLP.