ATV safety is important, especially in a state like South Carolina, where many people enjoy riding all-terrain vehicles. While riding four-wheelers can be fun and exciting, it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful.
Four Wheelers or All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have many practical uses, such as riding around a large property or navigating woods while hunting. However, these vehicles are just as dangerous as cars. And in South Carolina they have a lot less regulations.
What is an ATV?
An ATV, or all-terrain vehicle, is a motorized vehicle designed for off-road use. It usually has four large tires, a seat for the driver, and handlebars for steering. ATVs are commonly used for recreation, farming, and outdoor work, especially in rural areas.
Why are ATVs so dangerous?
ATVs can be dangerous because they are heavy and can travel at high speeds. They are designed to go over rough terrain, which makes them prone to tipping over. Since ATVs are often used in places without clear roads or paths, the risk of crashing into obstacles or losing control increases. Many injuries happen because riders are not wearing helmets, riding on paved roads, or carrying passengers when they shouldn’t.
ATV Accidents
ATV accidents are common in South Carolina. Many riders underestimate the risks, especially younger or inexperienced drivers. Common causes of accidents include speeding, riding on steep hills, and not following basic safety rules. ATVs are difficult to control on paved roads, yet some people still ride them there, increasing their chances of crashing. Wearing proper safety gear like helmets and protective clothing can reduce the risk of injury.
ATV Deaths
Sadly, ATV accidents can be fatal. Every year, people lose their lives due to ATV crashes, especially in rural areas where help may take longer to arrive. Young riders are particularly at risk because they may not fully understand how dangerous ATVs can be.
According to national data, hundreds of ATV-related deaths happen each year. The most common reasons for ATV deaths are overturns and collisions (with another vehicle or an object like a tree). Usually, these accidents result in the occupant(s) being ejected. (CPSC.gov)
ATV Deaths in South Carolina
South Carolina has had its share of these tragic fatal accidents. An average of 17 South Carolinians die each year from ATV-related injuries. (DPH.SC.GOV)
There have been several recent deaths in South Carolina that occurred due to the driver losing control of their ATV and crashing. While some of these deaths have occurred on private property, there have also been deaths at licensed ATV parks.
Jorge Bienavides died while using an ATV at Carolina Adventure World in Winnsboro, South Carolina. He had lost control of his ATV causing it to flip over and land on him. He died at the scene from the injuries caused by the accident (Charlotte Man Killed in Crash).
Also at Carolina Adventure World:
Robert Bell IV and John Breeden III died when Bell lost control of their ATV, crashed through a gate and fell down a 30-foot embankment. According to the release, “the ATV rolled over numerous times, ejecting both Bell and Breeden, who died at the scene” (Two SC Men Killed in Crash).
Another young man was killed after his ATV flipped at the same ATV park. He was 23 years old.
Finally, at another ATV park – the Broken Nut Off Road Park, 30-year-old Carey Van Goodnough was pronounced dead on arrival after an accident. His ATV went into a pond, and he never came out (One Dead in Kershaw Co.).
ATV Riding on Private Property
In addition to those deaths at ATV parks, there have been other deaths where the drivers owned their own ATVs and had experience riding them. Lee Renwick of Lake Wateree died when he lost control of his ATV while driving down a road. He crossed the centerline, flipped, and died at the scene of the accident. According to the officers who responded to the crash, Renwick was not wearing a helmet. Although with current ATV legislation, he was not required to (Man Killed in ATV Crash).
Another man was charged with driving under the influence resulting in death in Colleton County, SC. Lee Rollin McClary was driving an ATV with a passenger on private property. The ATV overturned and killed his passenger (Man Charged in Deadly ATV Accident).
ATV Regulations
Anyone in South Carolina that is six years old or older can use an ATV as long as they are on private property and are supervised by an adult. Adults are not required to wear helmets while operating ATVS. However, anyone under 16 years of age must wear a helmet when driving or when riding as a passenger on an ATV (South Carolina General Assembly).
Chandler’s Law
To address ATV safety for children, South Carolina passed Chandler’s Law in 2011. This law was named after a 16-year-old boy named Chandler Saylor. Saylor was from Swansea, SC, and was killed in May of 2003 while riding an ATV at a friend’s birthday party.
Chandler’s Law sets age limits for ATV riders, requiring children under 16 to take safety courses before riding. It also requires them to wear helmets and protective eyewear. Through these regulations, South Carolina hopes to prevent more tragedies and keep ATV riders safe.
ATV Safety
While these deaths were all accidents, they may have been prevented by updated regulations when it comes to the operation of ATVs. There has not been an update to ATV regulations in South Carolina since 2011, and preventable deaths continue to happen.
ATV safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you plan to ride, always follow safety rules, wear the right gear, and know your limits. Be safe out there!
For more information on four-wheeler safety, watch this video by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Tom Yager, vice president of the ATV Safety Institute suggests following the 8 Golden Rules to prevent injury and death when riding ATV’s:
- Always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.
- Never ride on paved roads, except to cross safely and where allowed by law.
- Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, or more than one passenger on an ATV designed for two people.
- Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
- Supervise riders younger than 16.
- Only ride on designated trails and at a safe speed.
- Take a hands-on ATV safety course: ATVsafety.org or call 1-800-887-2887.
ATV safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you plan to ride, always follow safety rules, wear the right gear, and know your limits. Be safe out there!
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