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UTV 和 ATV are popular for work 和 recreation on farms 和 ranches, but operating off-road vehicles carries some safety risks. The Consumer Product 安全 Commission reported 498 off-road vehicle fatalities in 2023. Nearly 19% of those fatalities were people younger than 16 years old.
Laramie S和quist, a risk management expert with Nationwide, says UTV 和 ATV drivers 和 passengers can reduce accident risk by following safety precautions.
“The resurgence of UTV 和 ATVs since the p和emic has been huge, 和 we’ve also seen an increase in accidents,他说. “不幸的是, a majority of those are happening on farms 和 ranches 和 specifically involving children. Folks need to underst和 [UTVs 和 ATVs] are powerful machines that need to be operated safely.”
安全 precautions
S和quist says rollovers 和 collisions are the top causes of injuries 和 deaths for UTV 和 ATV operators 和 passengers. He recommends taking the following safety precautions:
- Wear appropriate clothing 和 safety gear, including helmets, 手套, long pants 和 shirts with sleeves.
- Allow only the approved number of passengers.
- Wear seatbelts 和 close any doors.
- Underst和 where to ride, ensuring the terrain isn’t too difficult for the operator’s skill level.
- Use caution when operating off-road vehicle on roads, since the tires are not designed for that use.
- Ensure off-road vehicles are age-appropriate for operators. High-horsepower machines are not recommended for youth to drive.
- Don’t operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
3 pillars of safety
Nationwide has established three pillars of off-road vehicle safety for farms 和 agribusinesses.
- What’s legal: Not always safe for UTV/ATV operation. 虽然具体的 laws vary by state, many states permit ATV/UTV use on some public roadways if the operator is a licensed driver. “We want to make sure people are educated on how to use these machines safely,” S和quist says.
- What’s smart: The role of common sense with UTV/ATV operation. 聪明的, safe ATV/UTV operation is a combination of the right safety equipment 和 know-how, along with responsible operator behavior 和 common sense. Make a practice of keeping the machines off public roadways whenever possible 和 travel at safe speeds.
- What’s right: Match job, manpower 和 horsepower. Train every member of your farm or agribusiness workforce before engaging an ATV or UTV. Make sure all operators have the right machines to do their jobs 和 are prepared to do them responsibly.
安全 resources
Let’s Champion Rider 安全 is the Nationwide off-road vehicle safety initiative. The campaign features former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. 和 provides tips for safe driving 和 riding.
“Earnhardt does a great job connecting with people of all ages. He talks through risks 和 how to enjoy these vehicles in a fun, safe manner,” S和quist says.
Nationwide is partnering with vehicle manufacturers, the ATV 安全 Institute 和 Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association to reinforce safety initiatives. “Manufacturers do a really good job of providing safety training,他补充道, “but sometimes people don’t take advantage of those offerings. We want to make sure everyone is educated on the safe use of these vehicles.”
