Utah is widely known for its outdoor terrain that lends itself to activities such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, dirt bike riding and ATV driving. While any of these activities could be seen as dangerous to different degrees, it appears that those who chose ATV’s as their recreation of choice suffered through a difficult weekend, as multiple deaths and injuries were reported as a result of ATV accidents over the weekend in selected areas of Utah known for outdoor recreation.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune:
“Four separate all-terrain vehicle accidents over the weekend that resulted in two deaths and two people seriously injured has prompted public safety officials to urge caution for those visiting off-roading destinations.
Saturday’s fatality at the Little Sahara Sand Dunes marked the second involving a four-wheeler this year.
Former Utah Rep. Bill Orton, 60, died April 18 when the mountain-type ATV he was riding went off a steep dune and crashed. Orton was wearing a helmet.
Reid said it’s important that visitors to the dunes inspect where they are riding before they choose to drive four-wheelers at high speeds. She emphasized the importance of safety gear and knowing the limitations of machinery.”
While there seems to be a lot of attention given to the dangers of riding ATV’s, the fatalities continue to mount. Many of these accidents occur as a result of rollover crashes that occur at high speeds, and passengers on these vehicles are vulnerable because there is no protective compartment that keeps them from being thrown in any direction when the ATV spins out of control.
If you or someone you love has been injured or worse in an ATV accident, you need to make sure that you understand your legal rights and options. Contact the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Wed, May 27, 2009
Atv Accidents