Operate ATV/UTV Safely on Public Roads

OMAHA (DTN) -- One of the handiest machines on farms and ranches are all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs). While these machines can perform certain tasks in agriculture, they can also be extremely dangerous.

This is especially true if they are operated on public roads. These vehicles were not meant to operate on roads, according to safety experts. Injuries and deaths have risen as municipalities have allowed these vehicles to legally operate on roads.

Operators should consider important ATV/UTV safety measures when operating these vehicles, including improved visibility if they will be operated on roads.

MANY DANGERS OF ATVs/UTVs

Sept. 21-27, 2025, was National Farm Safety and Health Week. The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) based in Peosta, Iowa, had a series of webinars last week, including one titled "Wheels of Misfortune: Off-Road Vehicles on Public Roads."

Charles Jennissen, clinical professor and pediatric emergency medicine physician at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, spoke about dangers of ATVs/UTVs. These vehicles are the second most common source of injury and death in agriculture across all ages and the leading cause of injury and death with ag youth under age 17.

Every hour in the U.S., more than 11 people on average are seen in a hospital with an ATV/UTV-related injury. Since 2002, more kids under the age of 16 have been killed each year from these vehicles than from bicycle crashes.

"Youth ATV operators have a 12-times greater risk of crash and injury compared to middle-aged adults," Jennissen said.

Changing attitudes toward ATV/UTV operation on public roads have seen more injuries and death on public roads. In many municipalities, these vehicles are now legal, even though manufacturers specifically build these machines for off-road use only, he said.

Jennissen said 60% of all ATV fatalities have been on public roads and those numbers are climbing.

A recent University of Iowa study showed counties in the state that passed roadway ordinances allowing ATVs/UTVs have seen a 58% increase in crashes. This has resulted in 776 emergency room visits and five deaths.

"Enforced legislation prohibiting use on public roads may be critical in effectively decreasing ATV/UTV related deaths and injuries," he said.

DESIGNED FOR OFF-ROAD USE ONLY

There are several reasons why ATVs/UTVs are so dangerous while being operated on public roads, according to Jennissen.

They are not designed to operate on roads, whether it be paved or unpaved roads, he explained. These vehicles have a high center of gravity and a narrow wheel track, which is handy when driving off-road to go around trees and other obstacles.

However, on the road, this design makes these vehicles more likely to tip over and cause injuries and death, Jennissen warned.

These vehicles also feature off-road tires -- knobby tires which are designed with extreme grip in off-road situations. This can sometimes cause unpredictable responses while operating on pavement. Tires designed for public roads are obviously designed much differently to off-road tires, he said.

In addition, ATVs/UTVs have a solid rear axle or fixed or locked differentials, which allows the machines to make sharp turns off-road. This feature on public roads can cause some issues with operation, according to Jennissen.

"Avoid driving on the road whenever you are able to do so," Jennissen said.

IMPROVE ATV/UTV VISIBILITY ON ROADS

Jennissen said while he would prefer these vehicles do not drive on public roads, ATV/UTV operators who do decide to drive on public roads can increase their visibility, which is important.

Use a fluorescent orange flag on the vehicle. In addition, adding a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem to the vehicle to increase visibility, he recommended.

Also, he suggested people buy orange or yellow ATVs/UTVs instead of the dull green or camouflaged ones. This would certainly increase visibility.

The University of Iowa developed a school-based curriculum for 11- to 16-year-olds interested in operating ATVs/UTVs. The Safety Tips for ATV Riders (STAR) is taught in effort to operate ATVs safely and reduce injuries and deaths.

There are 10 STARs. They include:

-- Always use a helmet and other protective gear

-- Never ride on the road

-- One person on a time on ATVs

-- Ride the right size machine

-- Always wear a seatbelt on UTVs

-- No passengers under 12 years old on UTVs

-- Take a safety course

-- Tell someone where you are going

-- Never use drugs or alcohol

-- Always obey the rules

See more safety tips, including how to determine the right size of ATV, at https://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/….

Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com

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