ATV Crash Kills North Carolina Man on Christmas Morning | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

In many ways the headline above could be written every week in almost every state of America. Not to detract attention to the tragedy that surrounds the Christmas morning death of this young man, but unfortunately, this type of ATV accident is an all too common occurrence. Authorities say that the man died after his all-terrain vehicle overturned on him along a road in Mars Hill, NC near  Asheville.

N.C. Troopers reported to the Asheville Citizen-Times newspaper that the crash happened around 2 a.m. Friday. Although the victim may have not been wearing a helmet, in many instances an overturned ATV accident can kill or seriously injure the rider by way of a crushed chest, a collapsed windpipe, or most likely a broken neck from the impact of the recreational vehicle’s weight.

atv crash ashevilleTragically, hundreds of young people, especially children 16 years or younger, are catastrophically injured or killed in ATV accidents each year. As reported from recent research provided by the Children’s Hospital of Ohio, as many as 136,000 victims of ATV accidents end up in the emergency rooms each year. What is particularly disturbing is that close to one-third of these wrecks involve children who are 16 years old or younger. Many hundreds of young people suffer from injuries that are severe enough to include traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries. Accidents that can leave them disabled for duration of their lives.

My prayers go out to the family and friends of this young man. Having to deal with major or catastrophic injuries where it involves younger victims is extremely devastating for their families as well. This young man has had his life snuffed out prematurely all on the account of relying on the safety standards that are claimed by the ATV companies stating it is “safe” recreational fun.

This fatal accident should serve as a reminder to us all that ATVs are unsafe and should not be ridden without realizing you are taking your life in your hands. It requires a great amount of skill to drive an all-terrain vehicle, which can reach speeds of 100 mph and typically weighs many thousand pounds. Please do not believe that what the ATV industry wants you to think: that an ATV is good, clean, safe family fun that anyone can have even if you have no driver’s license.

Please follow this list of safety tips whenever you or a family member operates any ATV:Get trained

  • Wear a helmet
  • No children on adult ATVs
  • Don’t ride tandem
  • Don’t ride on pavement
  • Don’t ride under the influence

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