Trail Busters: Deconstructing ATV Accidents

Despite segment differences, ATV models share design and operational characteristics. All are childishly simple to drive — thus the thriving youth segment — with operational controls that mimic motorcycles, although side-by-side quads copy automobiles. Their primary shared feature is low-pressure tires (5 to 7 PSI compared to over 30 PSI for automobiles) that offer more flotation or traction in off-road riding. Trail-guzzling power with cushy float is a great quality, but it comes at a price for inexperienced riders. ATVs with low-PSI tires and high centers of gravity are susceptible to rollover on challenging terrain.

Also notable for all ATV models is the huge industry for after-market upgrades. Even though top-tier original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) adhere to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) environmental and product quality standards, ATV owners frequently customize their rides with after-market products that do not conform to mandated specifications and quality. Such unregulated accessories may be incompatible with the original equipment and cause reliability and safety issues.

A User Problem

Human factors invariably play a role in vehicular accidents, but once a driver chooses transport without a protective steel cocoon like an ATV, driver actions become more significant. A rough sport that imperils life and limb, off-road trail riding requires skilled maneuvering and a head's up attitude when the ride gets physical. Consequently rider behavior often trumps equipment issues for safe ATV usage. Safety training certainly reduces accident risk, but it is frequently ignored.

Wearing riding gear and adhering to maintenance and servicing checklists also improve rider safety. Ultimately, successful outdoor adventuring on four-wheelers is about enforcing safety gear use by all participants at all times. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved safety equipment appropriate to the age and size of rider is especially important amongst youth. Although a drain on the wallet, that means replacing protective clothing and helmets as children mature.

As for the ride itself, pre- and post-ride maintenance is essential to safe ATV operation. Incidental damage, which is easily sustained on dusty, rocky trails and rough, muddy waterways, can cause operational failure. Most defect claims can be traced to user deficits in maintenance and repair, much to the dismay of ATV owners.

On The Trail

Accidents and breakdowns do happen frequently on the trail. Unless they lead to trauma center visits or property loss claims, most of these events are unreported. However, there are notable ATV accident patterns that correlate to rider skill level, trail conditions, and product failures.

Typical beginner accidents result from driving too fast for conditions or exceeding abilities. Novices are already more susceptible to exercising poor judgment, but when they travel with experienced riders, they characteristically overreach their abilities in order to keep pace. Handlebar kickback — losing hold of the handlebars after colliding with obstacles — is particularly problematic for beginners. In contrast, intermediate riders are vulnerable to trail arrogance; a "no-dune-too-steep" or "stream-too-deep" delusion that can compromise their level of control when tackling steep hills, traversing rutty and rocky terrain, and coping with emergency maneuvers or on-trail breakdowns.

Heedless off-road adventuring results in collisions with obstacles and in rollovers as riders turn abruptly or veer off steep trail edges. Unfortunately, ATV rollovers are commonplace and present pinning hazards when using heavier models. Overly ambitious riding is clearly foolhardy, but the worst transgression is to take a passenger along for a disastrous ride. No matter the OEM warnings and trail rules, invariably there are those who tempt Darwinian twists of fate when they invite passengers on their single-rider vehicles.

Product failure accidents too can be traced to human input much of the time. What ATV component is most susceptible? Tires. Already vulnerable to sudden failure because of their characteristic low pressures, an overly aggressive turn can dislodge the tire bead and trigger an instantaneous blow out. The best safeguard, aside from skillful driving, is consistent pre- and post-ride tire pressure monitoring with a gauge that is designed specifically for ATVs.

ATV Accident Investigation

As a rule, most seasoned vehicular accident investigators can tackle ATV accidents, but there are sufficient differences between on- and off-road vehicles to warrant the attention of an engineer with a deeper understanding of four wheelers and their use. Familiarity with land management practices is a requirement because trail type can play a role in off-road incidents. Public lands and fire roads are maintained to meet off-road access and usage standard whereas anything goes on private terrain. If the events took place on closed roads, then those with prohibited access, or private property, accessing the accident scene can be challenging to investigators.

The initial steps of an ATV investigation mirror that of a standard accident scene examination in terms of evidence gathering and photo documentation. Once that material is gathered, however, the engineer focuses attention on the affected vehicle(s) and specific issues associated with quads. A popular examination tactic is to follow an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) priority maintenance list known as "T-Cloc." The "T" corresponds with the tires and wheels: The engineer checks the tire pressures first and then the bead separation from the tire rims, which can indicate impact or high cornering speeds.

Damage to item "c" (controls such as levers, cables, pedals, and throttles) can be extensive, because such systems take a beating on the trail. Although "l" refers to lights, the category also includes the kill switch (a primary safety feature), mirrors, and wiring. In this instance, the "o" designates oil. The engineer can check fluid levels and examine the quad for evidence of leakage, as such systems are susceptible to terrain damage. Finally, "c" repeats in reference to the chassis or the frame, suspension, and final drive (chains or gear). A telltale sign of frame issues are cracks in the paint near welds.

The Public Interest

There is significant public interest in off-road recreational vehicles. This results from the lack of licensing requirements for vehicle use and the light-handed regulatory role of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as the powersports industry gatekeeper. Top-tier manufacturers have effectively co-opted draconian Federal policymaking by working cooperatively with the CPSC and by responding quickly when problems develop. Witness the compliance agreement that yielded the replacement of three-wheeled ATVs with quad models. The recent voluntary recall of the Yamaha Rhino side-by-side quad for design defects that expose users to limb injuries upon rollover is another example.

The economic reality that utility ATVs like the Rhino are the largest segment of the quad market compelled a proactive responsive by Yamaha. Unfortunately, the increasing numbers of cheaper Chinese-manufactured ATVs sold by non-franchised dealerships strains that status quo and undermines the CPSC, which wields authority by persuasion rather than by enforcement. Many Chinese ATVs are sold without vehicle identification numbers (VINs). As a result, franchised dealers are endorsing mandatory state registration of ATVs — thus requiring VIN numbers — which could effectively ban most Chinese models.

While a no-license-required marketing strategy has created a boon to the powersports industry, the cradle-to-grave sales approach is problematic. The American Academy of Pediatrics decries off-road vehicle usage by any child without a driver's license because of the high trauma numbers suffered by children. According to the Children's Safety Network, 37 percent of ATV-related injuries from 1985 to 2002 were for youth under 16 years of age. Very young riders do not have developed motor skills or judgment to handle quad safely in all situations. Too-young riders, as well as those who ride above their designated engine size, pose significant problems for the ATV industry. Even though a CPSC/OEM alliance spearheads efforts to shutdown ATV sales to underage riders, dealers have trouble enforcing the standards when faced with outright duplicity by adults purchasing quads for children.

Beyond the quasi-regulatory environment, ATVs stir controversy at the community level. Rogue riders pose problems for the larger body of ATV users because they disregard trail etiquette, rules, and signage. They follow reckless and destructive riding habits. Often intoxicated, they foment more trouble when they whip through trails on illegally modified ATVs or Chinese models without spark arrestors, in turn damaging habitat, shattering noise levels, and intensifying fire danger. ATV user groups work tirelessly to draft and follow quad etiquette guidelines so that trail access remains open to all off-road vehicles. However, careless riders discredit the greater quad-riding community and sabotage cooperative agreements among off-road enthusiasts, environmentalists and recreational area authorities. As a result of perceived abuses and habitat destruction, more trails are closing to off-road usage.

A Side Note: ATV Damage Control

When conducting an ATV accident investigation, consider the following:

1. Were there any witnesses to the accident? Are their stories consistent with those of the involved parties? If the rider was with a group, then be sure to interview the other riders. Can they confirm riding speeds?

2. Were police and emergency personnel called to the scene? Identify responders and obtain reports and photographs.

3. What day of the week and time of day did the accident occur? For accidents occurring between 6:00 p.m. Friday and 6:00 a.m. Monday, there is a higher likelihood that alcohol and/or drugs were involved.

4. What were the weather conditions (precipitation/temperature/wind)? Did the weather affect trail conditions?

5. Was the terrain undulating or uneven? Note blind turns, rocks, vegetation and water hazards. Was the rider ascending, descending or navigating a side-slope?

6. What were the year, make, and model of quad involved? Thoroughly document the condition of the vehicle, noting any aftermarket accessories. Mechanical failures can be a causative factor or can occur during the accident. Failures caused by the accident will appear "fresh" with bare metal exposed or broken parts with telltale impact failure evidence.

7. Are the tires in good condition? Lower than normal inflation pressures can trigger bead-seat failures, or blow-outs, at excessive speeds.

8. Are maintenance records available for the ATV? Examining the rider's maintenance practices may reveal a lot about their concern for their own safety. Check dealer records for any recalls or technical service bulletins.

9. Was the rider trained in quad safety? Were there passengers and was the ATV designed to carry them? Note any protective apparel worn by the rider and passenger(s) and document any crash damage. If a permit was required for the trail, then was the ATV properly registered? Compliance with off-road riding protocols and permits reveals the rider's commitment to safe-riding practices.

10. Did the accident involve a rollover? ATVs involved in lower speed side-slope rollovers typically incur minor damage even though riders frequently suffer leg injuries. Quads involved in higher speed side-slope rollovers (often multiple rollovers) on dunes or off-trail riding sustain damage to controls, fenders, handlebars, and seats.

Peter R. Thom is principal of Peter R. Thom and Associates Inc., a national firm of consulting automotive engineers. Associate Timothy A. Logsdon is a 30-year powersports industry veteran. Both can be reached at 800- 874-1664; www.prtassoc.com.