Elk City Teen Dies in ATV Accident Near Foss Lake State Park

A 17-year-old boy has died of injuries sustained in an ATV accident on private property near Foss Lake State Park.

Reports say the Elk City teen was driving the ATV in a field and was thrown from the Polaris Sportsman 700 ATV as he attempted to go down an embankment.The ATV rolled down the embankment and came to rest on top of the teen, pinning him for an undetermined amount of time before the accident was discovered.The boy was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet.

ATVs can be a lot of fun for riders, but they are not without serious risks. The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that there were192 ATV fatalities in Oklahoma between 1982 and 2011, the last year for which reporting is considered complete. That is an average of 6.4 deathsper year in Oklahoma.

Three-wheeled ATVs developed a bad reputation for rollover accidents and other problems, and their manufacture and sale has been banned in the United States.However, four-wheeled ATVs can also be deadly. Of the 690 estimated ATV fatalities in 2011, 669 involved four-wheelers.

The CPSC recommends the following safety tips for operating an ATV:

• Do not drive ATVs on paved roads.
• Do not allow a child under 16 to drive or ride an adult ATV.
• Do not drive ATVs with a passenger or ride as a passenger.
• Always wear a helmet and other protective gear such as eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Take a hands-on safety training course.

Find detailed rationale behind each of the safety suggestions here.

All-terrain vehicles have significant use and purpose in Oklahoma. They are not just for recreation, but can also be used for farming, ranching, and otherjobs which require a person to get out in rugged or off-road property. Whether using an ATV for fun or for business, wear appropriate safety gear andobserve the rules of safe ATV operation.