A recent fatal all-terrain vehicle accident in New York left a bride mourning the loss of her new husband on what should have been the happiest night of their lives.
USA Today reports the groom and his brother were riding tandem on the ATV shortly after the wedding reception. The vehicle struck a tree and the groom, who was not driving, was found pinned underneath the ATV which had flipped over. The groom was taken to New Milford Hospital, where he died from blunt force trauma to his abdomen, chest and head. Police officials investigating the accident have charged the brother with driving while intoxicated.
Queens accident attorneys know how devastated the family must be following what should have been a preventable death. Four-wheelers are big and powerful and can be every bit as dangerous as riding in a vehicle, especially when alcohol is involved. The accident will be a tainted reminder each anniversary of how operating a vehicle under the influence is dangerous and often has severe consequences.
In 2009, ATVSafety.gov reported 376 deaths caused by an ATV accident in the United States. There were also an estimated 132,000 injuries treated in an emergency room due to ATV accidents. New York reported 314 ATV-related fatalities from 1982 to 2006. Though data is still incomplete, it is estimated that 43 deaths occurred from ATV accidents from 2007-2009 in New York.
Many enjoy riding an ATV on trails or own a 4-wheeler for off-road use. Riders in New York should keep in mind the following state laws:
- Riding with two passengers is only permitted on ATV’s that are meant for 2 people.
- ATVs must be operated with a head and taillight between the periods of a ½ hour after sunset through a ½ hour before sunrise.
- Children under age 10 are not permitted to drive or ride an ATV.
- Anyone between the ages of 10 to 15 is only permitted to drive an ATV on a parent’s property. In addition, there must be adult supervision or the driver must have a safety training certificate in their possession to be permitted to drive.
- ATVs must be registered and renewed annually with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- ATVs are not permitted on highways except to cross over a roadway.
- Passengers and operators of all ages must wear a helmet when riding on an ATV.
Even though taking a safety training course is not required in New York, riders are advised to enroll anyway. Proper training can teach riders how to operate, handle, and maintain their vehicle, which can all have a direct effect on riding safely. To find or enroll in an ATV safety course near you, click here. This website will give you everything you need to know before heading to class.
For more information about the 3 R’s, (regulations, rules and recommendations) in New York, visit New York ATV Safety online.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an ATV accident anywhere in New York, contact a personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC, for a free no-obligation appointment to discuss your rights. Call 1-877-313-ROSE (7673) to speak with an attorney today.
Additional Resources:
New York groom dies in ATV accident on wedding night, by Shantal Parris Riley, The Journal, posted in USA Today.
More Blog Entries:
Drivers Impaired by Alcohol or Marijuana Place Other Motorists at High Risk of Manhattan Car Accidents, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, August 9, 2011.
May Raises Awareness for Motorcycle Accidents in New York and Elsewhere, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, May 23, 2011.
