ATV Collision Kills Minnesota Teenager

A 15 year old St Michael teenager was killed today after suffering a severe head injuries in collision while at home. The young woman was air lifted to North Memorial, where she was later pronounced dead.

Concerning riding ATVs, the ATV Safety Institute offers the following suggestions:

The ATV Safety Institutes’s Golden Rules:

1. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
2. Never ride on public roads – another vehicle could hit you.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
5. Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
6. Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8. Take an ATV Rider Course; Call Toll-Free at 800.887.2887, or go to www.atvsafety.org.

For ATVs, the Minnesota No Fault act doesn’t apply because they are not considered motor vehicles. If an ATV is hit by a vehicle, the No Fault coverage is the same as if the person was a pedestrian. As with any accidental death in a Minnesota there are a number of issues that will need to be reviewed. I was interviewed last year on the topic. In this case sorrow for the families of those involved goes out.