The dangers of operating ATV’s on roadways. by Harris Mills
While folks with experience operating farm, logging, or construction equipment generally have an intuitive understanding of ATV design and handling characteristics, they may not understand the risk
of injury an ATV presents to others. Loss of control is often a tragic first lesson in ATV handling, riding ability, and what is a safe speed. Unfortunately, the inexperienced don’t realize how easily an ATV can roll or flip with a shift in body weight, change in acceleration, direction, or terrain, and how the risk increases with speed. Nor is the risk of a life threatening or crippling injury well understood.
In a rollover, a helmet will not protect the neck, back, or chest from being crushed by the machine.
The fact is, ATV’s are not designed for speed or operating on hard surfaces. For optimum traction
off-road, an ATV is designed to provide equal power to opposing wheels. This means that when turning,
the inner wheel cannot rotate freely. Thus, in turns on hard surfaces, torque builds up in the inner tire until surface friction is overcome in a lurching movement, at times destabilizing enough to cause loss of control. On an ATV a simple u-turn on a blacktop road at 5 mph can be the cause of a fatal rollover.
Because low-pressure, high-traction tires also effectively inhibit any side skid when cornering on hard surfaces, the centrifugal force that would otherwise cause a skid, instead, builds until either the operator slows down, widens the turn, or the ATV flips over. Adding further to the risk the ATV will flip instead of skid, is a short, narrow wheelbase, high ground clearance, and top seating that combine to make an ATV top heavy. Risk varies, depending on the machine, upper body weight, skill level and terrain.
The short steering travel and small turning radius, while very useful at slow speeds, creates a high risk
of over-steering and loss of control when attempting evasive maneuvers at road speeds. Further, relatively small differences in tire pressure create an uneven drag that at higher speeds or when braking hard, cause the ATV to drift sideways, then, flip, if not simultaneously corrected by steering. Operating an ATV with tires on one side of the machine on a hard surface and opposing tires on loose gravel also creates uneven drag, pulling the machine towards the greater resistance. A passenger, or the unequal distribution of cargo, cause similar handling problems. The wobble and bounce of soft-sided,
low-pressure tires on hard surfaces is yet another de-stabilizing force contributing to loss of control.
It is for these reasons that manufacturers and consumer safety advisories clearly warn ATV operators to stay off public roads. Some ATV enthusiasts claim they are like walkers, horseback riders, or bicyclists. However, variable and excessive speeds, speeds as potentially high as 40mph, in addition to being a high risk to ATV operators, complicate the flow of traffic. In the confusion, there is an increased risk
of collision for motor vehicle operators, especially for young, inexperienced, or elderly drivers.
In sum, any proposal to allow ATV’s on county roads should include rules that not only mitigate risks, but send an appropriate message. A speed limit of 10 mph would mean safer braking and evasive maneuvering, and less risk of a rollover. A low speed would allow motor vehicles to pass more quickly and safely and would be more compatible with horses, bicyclists, and walkers. A low speed limit would discourage ATV recreational enthusiasts from operating on roadways, reduce tire and exhaust noise, and help reduce dust and road damage.
Like motorcycle endorsement requirements, by requiring a Minnesota ATV safety certificate for all operators, we would acknowledge the dangers unique to ATV design and handling. By requiring insurance we would emphasize the need for owner accountability and personal responsibility. Similar to alcohol consumption law, by requiring operators on roadways to be at least 21 years old, we would send a clear message of the need for both maturity and caution when operating on roadways. Lastly, by limiting the type and number of roads open to ATV’s, we acknowledge that ATV’s are not designed for routine travel on roadways.
Harris Mills is a former analyst, program development specialist, and instructor trainer for the Minnesota ATV Safety Training Program. He can be reached at 218-387-9881 or .