5 Ways to Avoid an Off-Road Vehicle Crash

Nov 11,2016

A South Gate man died in an off-road crash in Apple Valley Sunday night. Authorities say 28-year-old Luis Ignacio was riding a 2014 Canam off-road vehicle at high speeds in the off-highway vehicle area of Stoddard Valley. The man then struck a sand berm and lost control of the sand rail vehicle. The vehicle rolled over and Ignacio was ejected.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials responded to the accident just after 7 p.m. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s report states that Ignacio was not restrained at the time of the crash. He was also not wearing a helmet.

The off-road crash is still under investigation. Drugs and alcohol have not been ruled out as possible factors.

According to the Consumer Federation of America, as of August 2016 there had been 335 fatalities involving off-highway vehicles this year—a 10% increase from the same time period in 2015. Here are 5 ways for riders of off-road vehicles to avoid an off-road crash:

Never operate an off-road vehicle on a road. These vehicles are not designed to be driven on paved roads, and most off-road vehicle fatalities happen on roads.
Do not allow children under 16 to operate an adult-sized off-road vehicle. Follow all age and size requirements of the vehicle.
Wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear when riding.
Do not allow more people into the vehicle than it is designed to handle.
Never operate a vehicle while under the influence.

“This crash might have had a different outcome if the victim had been wearing a helmet and a safety restraint,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.