Precaution is the key to fun and safety
October 2024
by Nicole Zema, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation
All-terrain vehicles are essential for many farm chores, and many landowners enjoy riding them recreationally.
“But they also pose serious hazards to operators,” says Curt Porterfield, training coordinator for Virginia Tech Environmental Health and Safety. “These vehicles, based on their size, can be a lot more powerful than people anticipate. Their weight and speed make it easy for an individual to lose control.”
Porterfield says the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that 500 people die in the U.S., and another 100,000 are seriously injured while operating ATVs every year. OSHA also found that between 2003 and 2013, there were 2,090 injuries and 321 deaths because of occupational use of ATVs — with 60% of ATV-related fatalities occurring in agriculture.
Farmers and others using ATVs should keep some critical safety tips in mind.
Matt Nuckols, Virginia Farm Bureau’s safety coordinator, says selecting properly sized personal protective equipment is crucial for any ATV activity — work or play.
“ATVs are a popular way to explore nature and experience the outdoors,” he says. “In addition to modern, well-fitting protective gear, it’s important that riders read their owner’s manual thoroughly, to know the vehicle’s hazards and limitations.”
Porterfield adds that safely enjoying ATVs comes down to four simple rules:
- Wear your helmet.
- Know your terrain.
- Control your speed.
- Avoid steep slopes.
PREVENT ROLLOVERS
Rollovers are the most common types of ATV incident, Porterfield explained, often occurring in hilly areas. On steep terrain, is it better to go up, or sideways?
“It doesn’t matter,” Porterfield says. “Just limit it to 15 degrees. If not, it’s better to go sideways and be able to lean and reduce rollover risk. Know how to fight the gravity.”
Of 129 ATV rollover events analyzed by researchers for the Traffic Injury Prevention journal, side rolls represented 47% of rollovers, with rear rolls at 44%, and forward rolls at 9%.
“I personally know several people who have died in ATV overturns, and asphyxiation from the weight of the machine on that person’s chest is ultimately what took their life,” Porterfield says.
The risk for ATV overturns increases when the center of gravity shifts, he explains. “Think about what adding a sprayer does. It moves the center of gravity toward the rear. Just 10 gallons is an extra 80 pounds of weight in the back.”
CONSIDER ROPS
Depending on the machine, ATV manufacturers may offer optional rollover protection systems.
“They’re not required, but recommended,” Porterfield says. He still hears plenty of excuses for not using ROPS. “ROPS will hinder the load,” Porterfield has heard farmers say. “But there’s no excuse that’s going to bring someone back from a serious workplace injury or fatality.”
ATV SAFETY 101
Visit ehs.vt.edu/farmsafety to view and print Virginia Tech Environmental Health and Safety’s ATV pre-ride checklist and see other safety resources. Learn more about Virginia Farm Bureau safety resources at vafb.com/safety.
