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Last updated on Wednesday, January 4, 2017
(VIGO CO.) - Indiana Conservation Officers responded to an ATV accident in Southern Vigo County late Sunday evening.
In one an 8-year-old driver lost control of the machine, which resulted in a collision with a stationary object causing the ATV to flip, ejecting both the driver and their 3-year-old passenger.
The driver sustained minor injuries, while the passenger suffered heavy bruising and swelling to their head.
Each was transported to Regional Hospital in Terre Haute where the driver was treated and released. The passenger was later transported to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis for further testing. Their condition is unknown.
Neither the operator nor the passenger was wearing a helmet or protective equipment at the time of the crash.
This crash, along with the ATV accident which took the life of a Dearborn County man Sunday, is a chilling start to the New Year.
46-year-old Daniel Woolwine of Guilford was target practicing and checking targets by utilizing a 2007 Yamaha Rhino 660 ATV. Woolwine was operating the ATV along a pond dam on private property near the 20000 block of Whites Hill Road in West Harrison. Investigators believe that Woolwine was traversing along an embankment when the ATV began to roll, ejecting him and coming to rest on top of Woolwine.
Every year, Indiana Conservation Officers repond more than 200 ATV accidents across the state. The most recent statistics reveal that 21 lives were lost as a result of ATV/Off-Road Vehicle accidents in 2016.
Division spokesperson - ICO Sgt. Chris Springstun adds, "Increased efforts in the way of ATV safety and also the enforcement of Indiana's current laws governing Off-Road Vehicle operations will be a major focus for our Officers in the upcoming year."
The push towards safety and enforcement is an effort to increase the public's knowledge of the proper use of an ATV.
"We are hopeful decreased accident statistics will be a bi-product of the spotlight we will be placing on ATV's," adds Sgt. Chris Springstun.
Officers would like citizens to join them in sharing this ATV safety message with everyone. ATV's are fun, but they can be dangerous if used in a manner outside of your ability, Sgt. Sprigstun added.
Safety equipment is encouraged to be worn at all times. Examples of the proper equipment are; helmet, long sleeve top with a full length pant, and leg/elbow/chest protector.
Remember to choose an ATV that meets your size and ability.
The message is simple - "Ride SMART, Ride SAFE, and Ride HOME!"
Please visit our website to find more information regarding ATV/Off-Road Vehicle safety and Indiana's current laws governing Off-Road Vehicle use.
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