A Camdenton resident was injured in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident on the morning of Sunday, November 15th. A 56-year-old man was riding his ATV through a wooded area near Bear Paw Road in Camden County at approximately 10:00 a.m. that day when he reportedly lost control and the vehicle overturned. The man sustained injuries that were considered moderate at that time, and he was flown by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia for medical treatment.
Accidents like the one that occurred in Camden County Sunday morning are, unfortunately, quite common. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the number of ATV-related injuries has increased substantially in recent years. The total number of ATV-related injuries in the U.S. was listed at 58,200 in 1992; in 2007, it was listed at 150,000.
The reason for such a huge increase in the number of ATV-related injuries occurring yearly can likely be attributed to both the increased prevalence of their use, and to the increased power and speed of the contemporary models. The original ATVs typically had seven horsepower; some of their modern-day counterparts contain engines with fifty horsepower that can reach speeds of up to 100 mph.
Riders of ATVs are advised to follow some basic safety guidelines to minimize the risk of accident and injury. A few of these include:
- Wear a helmet and appropriate riding gear.
- Don’t consume alcohol while riding.
- Ride only on designated trails.
- Ride the appropriate ATV for your age and skill level—children under age 16 should only ride ATVs with engines under 90cc.
Citations and Additional Resources:
http://www.lakenewsonline.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151119352/0/SEARCH
http://www.krmsradio.com/camden-county-man-air-lifted-to-columbia-hospital-after-atv-accident/
http://newstalkkgvo.com/victor-man-dies-in-4th-of-july-atv-accident-audio/
http://www.motosport.com/blog/10-quick-safety-tips-for-atv-trail-riding