Alerting Yourself to the Causes of ORV Accidents

Most ORVs are not designed to ride on a paved surface, although certain types of motorcycles are approved for highway use.

• Driving these ORVs on paved surfaces can be hazardous because they are often difficult to handle on pavement.
• ATVs are designed for off-road use only. Driving an ATV on a paved surface is a leading cause of ATV-related fatalities.

Riding double on an ORV that isn’t designed to carry a passenger—most are not—is another cause of serious accidents.

• The additional weight throws off the center of balance, making it difficult to control the vehicle during a maneuver.
• The operator has less room to change positions on the seat, which also affects the center of balance.

Other causes of accidents include:

• Letting inexperienced operators ride without an experienced riding partner
• Riding without adult supervision
• Performing dangerous stunts and maneuvers
• Operating in unfamiliar areas or terrain
• Failing to observe state laws and local ordinances