Eastern Kentucky Accident Highlights Need for ATV Safety

A recent fatal all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident in Eastern Kentucky highlights the need for ATV safety, which many experienced Kentucky accident attorneys encourage.

The accident claimed the life of a 49-year-old man, who was riding his ATV near Hyden, Kentucky when he became trapped underneath the vehicle.  Rescue teams did not reach him in time to save his life, according to an article in the Courier-Press. Investigators are still trying to determine exactly what caused the fatal crash.

Kentucky ATV Laws

Kentucky has several laws that apply specifically to those who ride ATVs. These requirements include laws regarding helmet use and ATV size, such as:

• Riders ages 16 or over must wear helmets when riding ATVs on public property, unless they are using the ATV for agricultural or business purposes,
• All riders under age 16 must wear helmets,
• Riders under age 12 may not operate an ATV that has an engine size larger than 70 cc,
• Riders under age 16 may not operate an ATV that has an engine size larger than 95 cc,
• Riders under age 16 must be supervised by an adult at all times.

In addition, Kentucky law prohibits riders from using ATVs on public roads, unless they are crossing the road or using the ATV for agricultural purposes.

ATV-related deaths have increased in Kentucky in recent years. State data shows that ATV use claimed about 538 lives from 1982 to 2011; 120 of those deaths have taken place in the last five years, and 89 of the total deaths involved children under age 12.