September 12, 2011

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are used for a variety of purposes. They can be a great entertaining activity for any outdoor enthusiast, a source of transportation through rough terrain for rangers and hunters, or even the workhorse on a farm or ranch.  Without proper safety precautions being taken though, ATVs can quickly turn dangerous and deadly. Two teenagers from Ward, Arkansas, learned this lesson the hard way after being involved in a crash Sunday morning.

FOX 16 News reported that the accident occurred just before lunchtime near Wilson Loop and Moon Road. The Ward Police Department stated they reported to the scene of a crash involving three teenagers under the age of 15-years-old and an ATV. No details about how the crash happened have been released, but officers did say two of the teens were airlifted to an area hospital where they were last listed in critical condition. The third teenager’s condition was not known.

Officers say the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The National Ag Safety Database reported that one-third of all ATV-related fatalities were children under the age of 16-years-old and that wearing helmets reduces the risk of death by 42 percent.

The Arkansas Equipment Injury Attorneys with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton know that the best way to protect yourself from harm when riding ATVs is to always wear a helmet. It is a decision that has saved hundreds, if not thousands of lives. Yours could be the next one saved.