All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other recreational vehicles designed for off-road use are all about fun. It is only natural that families might want to allow children and teens to experience the thrill of riding on a snowmobile.
When the weather turns blustery, snowmobiles can make a miserable day fun. Unfortunately, they can also be dangerous for children and teens. How can snowmobiles end up hurting children?
1. Operating them
Most children and teenagers do not have much experience operating motor vehicles. While snowmobiles generally don’t run on public roads, there are still dangers involved in letting young people drive them.
They can hit trees or turn too abruptly and roll the snowmobile over. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of 16 not be allowed to operate snowmobiles recreationally at all.
2. Riding behind them
Children don’t need to actually be on a snowmobile to get hurt by one. In many cases, their parents or older siblings might drive the snowmobile.
Younger children might ride on a tube or sled attached to the back of the snowmobile. If the snowmobile stops abruptly, they could hit it from the rear. They could also go flying off during sharp turns, possibly into the road or into a tree.
3. Pedestrian accidents
Some of the most tragic incidents involving snowmobiles occur because children or teens are outside while others operate snowmobiles. Low visibility caused by active snowfall or dark conditions may result in snowmobile operators striking children or teens.
In cases where design issues or operator errors contributed to a snowmobile incident, the parents of the child affected may have grounds to take legal action. Reviewing the circumstances of a snowmobile incident can help people determine who might be liable.