An off-road vehicle crash that killed three young people in Clay County is a reminder that ATV safety remains a concern.
A 22-year-old and two children under the age of two were killed when the vehicle struck a concrete culvert wall adjacent to a roadway. A post-crash fire consumed the vehicle. The two children were instantly killed by the cause of blunt force trauma while the operator was airlifted to a hospital and later died. One other passenger remains in the hospital in serious condition.
Preliminary investigative conclusions indicate excessive speed and alcohol may be contributing factors.
Indiana Conservation Officers have already investigated 140 accidents this year with 163 injuries and 12 fatalities.
Officers suggest that you take a hands-on safety training course, wear protective gear – especially a helmet, do not drive an ATV with a passenger or ride as a passenger and do not permit children to drive or ride adult ATVs. If you will use your ATV for spraying your lawn or a food plot, make sure that you buy an ATV sprayer that correctly fits your ATV. Finally, ATVs are not intended to be driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you would like more off-road vehicle information, visit www.in.gov/dnr and look under the recreation heading on the side of the page.
