All-terrain vehicle accidents are up 300% in the last five years alone. Of course sales are up 500% and this means that some people who normally drive motorcycles are now getting ATVs instead. ATVs are generally safer than motorcycles and people are injured less. Nevertheless the all-terrain vehicle accident rates are somewhat startling and have increased regulation and many counties and states.

In many places now is required that you wear a helmet on all all-terrain vehicles. This somewhat upsets farmers who use them for agricultural use and do not necessarily wish to put on a helmet to drive around the ranch. Some states do have waivers for agricultural use due to this issue.

Many in the medical profession who see these accident victims come in are glad to see that folks are required to wear helmets. But the same medical professionals also suggest that if you are going to go out and race around on an ATV that you should wear full gear. Those who raise ATVs and fall off and are run over by another ATV are often injured more because the ATVs weigh more. These are all considerations to think of if you are considering buying an ATV. Please think of this in 2006.