ATV Tire Failure
Like other vehicle tires, ATV tires are consumable products, which means you will need to replace them at some point. Because ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, are used in some pretty rough terrain, it’s important to have the best tires you can. But, what happens when an ATV tire manufacturer produces one with a defect?
Statistics on ATV Accidents
Defective ATV tires can result in disastrous consequences in the event of an accident. The Consumer Product Safety Commission of the United States tracks ATV accidents, including the number of injuries and fatalities that can be attributed to these vehicles. In their latest December 2017 report, they noted that as of December 31, 2016, CPSC received reports of 14,653 fatalities that could be attributed to ATVs between 1982 and 2016. 337 of those occurred in 2016, 484 in 2015, and 581 in 2014.
In 2016, it is estimated that there were 101,200 ATV-related accidents that required emergency department treatment. 26% of those involved riders under 16 years old.
ATV Tire Types
Depending on the conditions you typically ride an ATV in, there are different types of tires available that are designed to perform best under the circumstances. Tire types include:
- Turf saver
- Mud
- Snow
- Sand/Dune
- Race
- Trail
Choosing the right tire is an important aspect of overall ATV safety, but there are instances where, even if you have the right tires on, one can fail. ATV Rider Magazine notes that they feel 90% of ATV difficulties can be categorized in two ways:
- Tire failure
- ATV buried in snow, sand, or mud
Proper tire mounting and function are also integral to helping ATV riders stay safe. ATVs are designed to be taken off-road, and therefore they require tires that are capable of handling rougher terrain.
Potential Causes of ATV Tire Failures
A number of factors can lead to an ATV tire failure. Because it’s driven on rougher terrain, there is a risk of it falling off, which could lead you to lose control or even roll over.
An improperly mounted tire could lead to a tire blow out causing an accident. You should always have a skilled mechanic install your ATV tires and rim assemblies to ensure they are mounted in a safe manner.
Tire pressure is another key element of ATV tire safety. ATV tires typically utilize a lower tire pressure when compared to standard vehicle tire pressure levels. Riding an ATV with improper tire pressure could create some difficulty in controlling the vehicle or ultimately cause an accident.
In addition to ATV tire safety, there are times when a tire fails due to a manufacturer defect. Poor design, mistakes in manufacturing, and/or the use of substandard materials are three of the main issues that could lead to tire failure. Like their road counterparts, defects in ATV tires could cause tire shredding, tread separation, sidewall zipper failures, and more.
Retaining an ATV Defective Tire Attorney
If you were riding an ATV that suffered a tire failure due to an improperly installed part, a defect, or a mechanical failure, you could be entitled to compensation for damages. It’s important to speak with a defective tire attorney who can help determine who was at fault and ensure the responsible parties are held accountable. At Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A., we have over six decades of combined experience handling personal injury and product liability matters, including defective tire cases. Contact our office at 305-445-1111 to set up an initial consultation.
