JA:2021-17. Safe Use of ATVs – Development of a Warning System

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: ATVs (all-terrain vehicle) and other small rollover prone vehicles show high risk of accidents from rollover, which can cause severe injuries and death. According to Swedish data, there were 37 killed per 100,000 vehicles compared to 2 per 100,000 vehicles for ordinary cars. In 70% of the on road accidents and in 60% of the terrain accidents, rollover was the reason. The ATV is prone to rollover, and the driving style influences the vehicle stability. Training, active driving style, and wearing a helmet will increase the possibilities to avoid accidents and severe injury. Except for the use of helmet and other personal equipment for protection, the use of passive rollover protection devices is recommended. The Swedish national strategy for increased ATV safety recommend alcohol interlocks, electronic stability systems, and rollover warning as examples of safety devices for ATVs. The aim of this project was to evaluate if a concept for rollover warning could reduce the number of injuries with ATVs and other small vehicles. The study was carried out in cooperation with professionals using ATVs in their ordinary operations. The overall aim was to analyze and suggest active safety solutions that can reduce the number of injuries with ATVs and other small rollover prone vehicles. Methods: Field studies proceeded in parallel with the development of the prototypes. The field studies included a broad group of users, like farmers, reindeer farmers, forestry work, horse business, and technical maintenance. Results/Findings: The test subjects answered a questionnaire, of which 92% declared previous experience of driving an ATV, and 60% declared some kind of formal education. More than one-third (36%) declared earlier rollover accident or near accident. Of the test subjects, 75% declared that the rollover prototype worked well or very well, and 80% confirmed that the signal was good enough. Some have wished for a gradually increasing auditive signal, as in an ordinary car parking sensor system. Independent of one another, several test drivers have suggested that a warning system should be possible to adjust depending on machine, assignment, and driver competence. Practical Application: A warning system for users of ATV:s could be helpful both for professionals as well as beginners and could as well reduce the number of rollover incidents and serious injuries.