In Winston-Salem a recent traffic accident involving an SUV and an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) left one person fatally injured. According to Police, a Winston-Salem man riding an ATV collided with an SUV at the intersection of Sprauge Street and Thomasville Road.
The 24-year-old ATV rider was attempting to cross over Thomasville Road heading west, but failed to see the SUV heading in the opposite direction. The ATV rider was transported to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where he tragically succumbed to his serious injuries a short time later.
All-Terrain Vehicles, or ATVs, can be a great way to enjoy the beautiful woods and scenery around North Carolina and the Piedmont Triad, but they also present serious risks to riders of all ages. These vehicles have high rates of serious crashes and rollovers. Motorists operating ATVs must be especially careful to follow the proper safety precautions and rules of operation at all times.
It is illegal in North Carolina to “operate an all-terrain vehicle on any public road, street or highway except for purposes of crossing that street, road or highway.” ATVs are far more likely to injure drivers in rollover incidents than other types of recreational motor vehicles.
Several brands of ATVs have been recalled in recent years after safety inspection agencies found that riders faced serious risk of death or injury due to product defects. In 2015, ATV manufacturers including BRP and Gibbs have issued voluntary product recalls of their vehicles due to serious potential safety hazards including steering and brake system failure and failing to meet nationwide safety standards.
Here are some disturbing statistics about ATV accidents that show just how dangerous these types of vehicles can be for riders:
- The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission found that between 1982 and 2013, there were a total of 13,043 rider fatalities in accidents involving ATVs.
- Of those 13,043 fatalities, 3,023 involved riders under the age of 16, and 1,303 were younger than 12 years old. ATVs are especially dangerous because unlike boats, motorcycles or other types of recreational vehicles, it is more commonly, and inaccurately, believed that young and inexperienced riders will be safe when operating these machines.
- In 2013 alone, there were a total of 426 ATV-related fatalities nationwide.
At Daggett Shuler, Winston-Salem and Greensboro Car Accident and Personal Injury law firm, we represent riders injured in all types of motor vehicle accidents. If you or a loved one was seriously injured through no fault of your own while operating an ATV, motorcycle or any type of vehicle, call Daggett Shuler Law right away.
Whether the injury occurred due to a defective product, driver error, or negligent behavior on the part of another motorist, you will need an experienced attorney by your side in order to protect your rights as a victim.
Call the experienced North Carolina Car Accident and Personal Injury lawyers of Daggett Shuler Law today at 336-724-1234 to receive a FREE, confidential and no-obligation consultation. When you call, our experienced legal team will help provide the answers you seek and will fight hard to secure the compensation you deserve for your serious injuries.
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