ATV-related fatalities are on the rise in Minnesota, raising concern among Department of Natural Resources officials.

     By: Sam Cook, Duluth News Tribune 

 ATV-related fatalities are on the rise in Minnesota, raising concern among Department of Natural Resources officials.

So far this year, 16 people have died in ATV accidents in the state, according to DNR officials. That compares to 14 for all of 2009. Minnesota had 17 ATV-related fatalities in 2008. A record 24 occurred in 2004.

“It’s hard to really draw conclusions on why they’re happening, other than the reckless operation of the ATVs themselves,” said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Safety Education coordinator. “In every one of these fatalities, no one has taken the safety training, and it’s free.”

Ages of those involved in accidents is across the board, from 9 to 85, Hammer said. But most of those involved in fatalities were adults.

ATV safety training is required for all Minnesotans born after July 1, 1987, but it’s not required for older riders.

“We’re seeing the age of people involved in ATV accidents on the rise,” Hammer said. “The (safety training) program is working with the youth. They’re having a decrease (in accidents).”

Hunting season, when many riders use ATVs, isn’t likely to increase the accident or fatality rate, Hammer said.

“We very seldom see an ATV accident related to hunting,” he said. “It’s the people buzzing around in the summertime in the ditches and road rights-of-ways, where they may or may not be allowed to be.”

Wayne Laakso, a youth ATV safety instructor and president of the North Shore ATV Club, agrees.

“I’m seeing time after time, it’s that a machine rolls over. And

75 percent of the time, where it’s happening is in the road right-of-way. Road right-of-ways weren’t designed for ATVs,” Laakso said.

DNR officials say rollovers are to blame in many fatalities. Since July 4, six Minnesotans have died from ATV rollovers. Typically, a machine rolls to the right or left or tumbles forward on a downhill when the rider is making a sharp turn, Hammer said.

“That outside tire digs in, and with its low pressure, it bends underneath and aids in flipping the machine,” he said. “Even at a low rate of speed, it can do you in.

“People don’t realize how easy it is to flip one of those things over. The weight of those things nowadays is 600 or 700 pounds. You try to get out from under it, and you can’t.”

Parents should pay attention to how their kids are riding, Laakso said.

“Parents that buy these ATVs for kids to play with should take a good strong look at what their role is,” he said. “If they’re allowing them to do illegal things, they’re the responsible people, and they can be fined.”

Hammer recommends that all ATV riders complete the ATV safety course regardless of age and follow these basic safety principles.

Anyone born after July 1, 1987, must complete an ATV CD Training Course before operating an ATV. The course covers a variety of topics including safety and rules and can be obtained free through the DNR by calling (888) 646-6367 or (651) 296-6157. For $15, anyone passing the test can get an ATV safety certificate.

Some ATV manufacturers also offer free safety instruction when someone purchases a new machine, Laakso said.