Off-road vehicle accidents involving pedestrians are on the rise. In fact, they have increased by 50% over the past decade. And, electric UTVs are being blamed for a large portion of these accidents.
Why are electric UTVs to blame?
There are a few reasons. First, electric UTVs are much quieter than gas-powered UTVs. This means that pedestrians may not hear them coming and could be struck by them.
Second, electric UTVs have a much shorter stopping distance than gas-powered UTVs. This is because they don’t have to deal with the inertia of a heavy engine. As a result, they can strike pedestrians before they have a chance to get out of the way.
Third, electric UTVs are often used in off-road racing. This means that they are often driven at high speeds, which increases the likelihood of an accident.
So, what can be done to reduce the number of off-road vehicle accidents involving pedestrians?
There are a few things that can be done. First, electric UTV manufacturers could add warning lights or horns to their vehicles. This would help to alert pedestrians of their presence.
Second, electric UTV drivers could be required to take a safety course. This would teach them how to properly operate their vehicles and avoid accidents.
Third, the speed limit for electric UTVs could be reduced. This would make it less likely for them to be involved in an accident.
By taking these steps, we can help to reduce the number of off-road vehicle accidents involving pedestrians.
Oct 06, 2023