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operator ' s skill , strength and coordination to the limit - - and some

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times beyond .

What all - too - frequently happens is that a sudden shift in direc tion or change in terrain brings about a change in equilibrium which , in turn , can cause the rider to lose control of the vehicle . Subse quently , the ATV tips over , either forward or backward , or rolls over to either side , and those riding it are thrown off . Of course , proper training would help prevent those kinds of accidents , but such train ing isn ' t always available . This year , for instance , the ATV industry hopes to provide training to approximately 42 , 000 ATV operators , but that is just a small fraction of the total number of people who are likely to drive an ATV at one time or another .

No list of potential factors involved in ATV accidents would be complete , however , if the element of operator behavior was not in cluded . Of the 169 ATV accident cases the CPSC has studied in - depth to date , many involved riding double , riding at night , or riding under the influence of alcohol . Not only that , but such things as excessive speed , showboating , riding on paved roads and riding without a helmet may come into play . For instance , the lack of a helmet may not cause an accident , but the use of one could certainly reduce the possi bility of serious head injury .

With respect to on - road usage , I might note that 31 states have adopted legislation regulating ATV usage on public lands and / or roads . Also , various localities have passed ordinances designed to protect cropland and other private property from being damaged by thoughtless

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