Risk Management for ATV Owners

Injuries and accidents are prevalent for children under the age of 16. The alarming increase in injury and death from ATV usage is attributable not just to increased use but also to the production of larger, faster, and more powerful ATVs.

Liability Coverage and Limits

If you own or operate an ATV, you should inform your insurance agent accordingly to verify that you have proper liability insurance coverage and limits.

Legal Waiver

You should also work with an experienced attorney to draft a waiver agreement for any guest who wishes to ride or drive the ATV. If they do not sign the waiver, the ATV should not be used.

Safety Tips

Children should be allowed to operate only age-appropriate or “youth” ATVs. Most youth ATV-related deaths and injuries occur while operating “adult” ATVs. Children under age seven should never ride or operate an ATV.

Most ATVs are designed for only one person, so children should not take on passengers or be passengers on their parents’ ATVs.

ATVs should not be driven on paved roads. Because of their design, they are difficult to control on paved roads, and collisions with other vehicles can prove fatal.

ATV operators should never drive an ATV without a helmet. Wearing a certified motorcycle helmet can dramatically decrease the chances of a head injury while operating the ATV.

All operators should complete a “hands-on” ATV training course. One class is estimated to equal one year of experience. Reputable ATV dealers often provide this class free of charge to their customers.

Source: International Risk Management Institute, Inc.  Copyright 2015