What risks can lead to side by side accidents?

Side by side vehicles in particular are prone to rollover accidents. Due to their bulkier size and top-heavy design, their center of gravity is high. An imbalanced load of passengers can also contribute to difficulties in controlling the vehicle. Going up steep hills, traveling over uneven terrain along with making sharp turns can cause a side by side to tip over. Furthermore, it can roll over in any direction—forward, backward or sideways..

High speeds

Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions can cause accidents. Drivers are more likely to lose control and crash when speeding. In addition, they might not have enough time to brake to avoid an accident. Often debris such as rocks, logs or trees in all terrain areas can block the road. Speeding is hazardous on a regular road but is even more so when driving an ATV or side by side.

Inexperienced or reckless drivers

Texas does not require a driver’s license to drive an ATV or side by side. By law, drivers under 14 years old require adult supervision. Although liability insurance is not mandatory for driving ATVs on private property, it is often a requirement for public land. Inexperienced riders may not realize the risks involved and lack the skills to maneuver road and terrain hazards. Riding on pavement is not as safe for ATVs and side by sides as regular vehicles due to their higher center of gravity and low pressure tires.

Side by side vehicles in particular are prone to rollover accidents. Due to their bulkier size and top-heavy design, their center of gravity is high. An imbalanced load of passengers can also contribute to difficulties in controlling the vehicle. Going up steep hills, traveling over uneven terrain along with making sharp turns can cause a side by side to tip over. Furthermore, it can roll over in any direction—forward, backward or sideways..

Overloading cargo or passengers

Limitations exist as to what loads a side by side can carry. Depending on the size and model load capacities range from 400 to 1000 pounds. Exceeding the recommended limit puts the vehicle at risk. It can lead to blown out tires and put strain on the engine and transmission, causing mechanical failures..

High speeds

Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions can cause accidents. Drivers are more likely to lose control and crash when speeding. In addition, they might not have enough time to brake to avoid an accident. Often debris such as rocks, logs or trees in all terrain areas can block the road. Speeding is hazardous on a regular road but is even more so when driving an ATV or side by side.

Defective vehicles

In some cases, if vehicles are defective, the manufacturer may be liable. Poor design features can cause fire hazards and steering failures. Defects related to dysfunctional seat belts, broken door latches and faulty rollover cages can injure instead of protect passengers during a rollover. Overheating engines and fuel line breaks are also hazardous and can cause fires.

Inexperienced or reckless drivers

When speed limits are 55 mph or higher, the speed heightens the instability of top-heavy, tall vehicles, like vans. NHTSA reports that in 40% of fatal rollovers, excessive speed was a factor. In addition, most of these fatalities have occurred on roads with higher posted speed limits.