Let’s face it, no matter how smart we are, when given the right circumstance we all do dumb things. Any man getting his hands on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is no exception. No matter what type of ATV, no matter the reason, we all turn into off-road racers as soon as we get in that seat. But unlike other intelligence-nullifying activities, making foolish decisions while operating an these powerful machines can lead to serious consequences. Even for those who use them responsibility, accidents can and do happen. For operators, this can mean serious burns, broken bones, and even death.
Consider the following:
- 135,000 people are injured every year due to ATV accidents.
- Over 700 people are killed in these accidents.
- Many of these accidents could have been prevented if proper safety advice was followed.
Now ATV Lifeguard, a company based out of New Zealand, has created a product that may help prevent future injury and death operators. The ATV Lifeguard roll-bar, the company’s flagship product, is a flexible circular attachment that installs on the back of your ATV. It keeps the machine from seriously injuring the operator during a rollover. The Lifeguard will not flatten, and is strong enough to keep the machine from completely hitting the ground. It is also flexible enough that it will not hurt you on impact. The spring in the roll bar will cause the ATV to bounce off you rather than land on you; if your machine does land on you, the bar will bend preventing crushing injuries. The flexibility of the Lifeguard allows you wiggle out from under a capsized machine, or roll the ATV off you completely if necessary.
This new technology has the potential to save lives, whether the machine is used on the farm or out on the trail. The ATV Lifeguard does not replace the normal protective equipment and does not eliminate all chance of injury.
Being new, the product is expensive, making it more difficult for smaller operations from being able to utilize it; however, given time, this new product might be the new norm in making ATVs safer to operate.
For more information on ATV Lifeguard, visit their website.
For more on safety training, including ATV Safety, visit us at hardhattraining.com.
As always, good luck and stay safe.