Safety advocates across Louisiana are launching a new task force aimed at reducing serious injuries and fatalities involving all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles.
The effort comes as state officials continue to see a troubling number of crashes involving young riders.
New Orleans Regional Safety Coalition Coordinator Jay Cripple says the task force will bring together highway safety officials, medical professionals, law enforcement agencies and community leaders to improve education and awareness surrounding ATV and UTV safety.
"We want to make sure riders and their families understand how to choose the proper vehicle, how to operate it safely, and where it can legally be ridden," Cripple said.
According to Cripple, Louisiana experiences an average of approximately 12 ATV and UTV-related deaths each year, along with roughly 100 intensive care unit admissions stemming from crashes.
What's particularly concerning, he says, is the age of many victims.
"The age groups of 10 to 14 and 15 to 19 account for a large portion of both the fatalities and serious injuries we see," Cripple said.
The task force will also focus on improving the quality of crash data collected across the state.
Cripple says some accidents may never make it into official statistics because law enforcement is not always called to the scene.
In some cases, injured riders are transported to medical facilities by family members or friends, making it difficult to fully capture the scope of the problem.
"Better data helps us better understand where these crashes are happening and how we can prevent them," he said.
The coalition hopes the combined efforts of safety experts, healthcare providers and law enforcement will lead to safer riding habits and fewer tragedies.
"As always, the destination is zero deaths," Cripple said. "Especially when it comes to young people riding ATVs and UTVs."
Officials say education, proper equipment, age-appropriate vehicles and responsible operation remain some of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury and death.
