Seven people have died on ATVs and UTVs in Iowa so far this year, with dozens hurt, prompting a healthcare professional to offer some safety reminders about the powerful machines.
Megan Anderson, a trauma injury prevention coordinator at Emplify Health by Gundersen, says the vehicles can be unstable on pavement or concrete, as they’re designed primarily for off-road use.
“We want people to stick to the trails or off-road when they can,” Anderson says. “Wearing a helmet and a seat belt helps a lot. Being sober when you’re operating, and then following appropriate speeds, and if you can, take a rider safety course that can help with that hands-on component. That might be really helpful.”…