September 11, 2011

Teen Dies in Four Wheeler Accident in Putnam County, Florida

ATV.jpg

A young man from Ocala, Florida, tragically died after the four-wheeler he was driving crashed into a closed steel gate in Putnam County. According to the report by the Florida Highway Patrol, 18-year-old Douglas William Burguess was driving a 2003 Honda four-wheeler east on County Landfill Road; the crash occurred around 10:10 p.m. The impact ejected Burguess from the four-wheeler, he suffered personal injuries to his stomach and chest. Burguess was transported to Putnam Community Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. For more read 18-year-old Ocala man dies in four-wheeler crash.

The death of this teen is a tragedy for his family and community. Four-wheelers and All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be exciting and entertaining, but they are also very dangerous and potentially deadly. Always wear a helmet before you or a child ride an ATV. It can be very dangerous for a child to operate an ATV, especially at high speeds over rough terrain. Children and teenagers tend have poor safety awareness making their likelihood for sustaining personal injuries is greater. Safety should always be the focus for children and adults alike when operating or riding an ATV.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Bookmark and Share

June 15, 2011

ATV Accident and Florida Laws Should Encourage Parents to Rethink ATV Safety and Purchases

ATV.jpg

Florida families are left concerned after the recent death a 12-year-old boy of Putnam County, Florida; the boy was killed in an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accident. For example, Victoria Hobbs and her husband purchased 2 ATVs to provide their family with what they thought would be hours of fun. Now, after seeing the dangers of ATVs, the family is left disappointed and a little frustrated. Hobbs said they purchased 2 ATVS, a smaller sized ATV for her 12-year-old daughter and a larger sized ATV for her husband. Under Florida law, no one under 16 can operate, ride or be otherwise propelled on an ATV, unless the person wears a safety helmet and eye protection. The ATVs also came with their own warning decals: one mandated that no one under 12 can operate without supervision and the other prohibited persons under 16 from operating. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been 447 ATV deaths in Florida since 1982. One-thrid of those deaths involved children 16-years-old or younger. For more read Recent ATV-related death leaves Florida families concerned.

One suggestion to families considering purchasing an ATV is to know their state's law regarding ATV use by a minor.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) , Child Safety

Bookmark and Share

March 30, 2011

ATV Rider - Fatal Crash in Pahokee, Florida - Dangers of ATV Riding in Florida

ATV.jpg

A 24-year-old man was tragically killed after the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) he was operating collided with a wire cable line in Pahokee, Florida. The man was identified by the Florida Highway Patrol as Jervenski Parker. The FHP confirmed that Parker was thrown from the ATV and landed in a drainage ditch. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. For more read ATV accident in Pahokee, Florida, kills 24-year-old man. ATVs can reach speeds of more than 50 mph, making them extremely dangerous devices. In April 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported ATVs were the cause of 40 deaths, 12 of those deaths involved children under the age of 16. In May 2010, 13 children under 16 years of age were killed. Also, according to the group Concerned Families, children under 16-years-old are killed annually, this does not include the 40,000 children that are injured annually. If you would like to read more on ATV Safety please read CBS News Reports on Dangers of Personal Injury to Children from ATV (All Terrain Vehicles).

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Bookmark and Share

September 18, 2010

Authorities Arrest Teen - ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) Accident in Hudson Florida - 4 Teens Suffer Personal Injuries

ATV.jpg

Michael Dennis Floyd, 17, has been arrested and accused of injuring four people in a hit-and-run accident with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). According the Florida Highway Patrol, Floyd, who was driving a pickup truck, collided with the ATV. FHP also said the ATV ran through a stop sign.

The kids on the ATV ranged in ages from 12- to 16-years-old; they were all thrown from the ATV and were taken to the hospital after sustaining personal injuries.

Floyd, who reportedly turned himself in, told authorities he initially fled the scene because he did not have a driver's license and had a warrant out for his arrest. He now faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident with serious bodily injury and driving without a valid license. He is entitled to a criminal defense attorney to defend any charges pressed against him. If you would like to read more on this story please see Teen arrested in hit-and-run with ATV.

Luckily, this accident did not result in the death of any involved. Hopefully, the kids who did sustain personal injuries have a full and quick recovery. You should never leave the scene of an accident or drive without a valid driver's license, it is illegal. Drivers need to accept and appreciate the responsibilities they take on when getting behind the wheel of an automobile.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) , Automobile Accidents

Bookmark and Share