MSHP reminds people of safety after three UTV crashes over the weekend

Columbia, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding people who own a UTV to take safety precautions before riding.

On Friday, Troop F posted to its 'X' account detailing the importance of safety equipment. The post came after Troop F responded to two UTV crashes at the Lake of the Ozark on Friday that resulted in serious injuries to the drivers, who were not using safety equipment.

According to the post, there are more than 100,000 emergency room visits annually due to UTV or ATV injuries. Around 650 people die a year in ATV and UTV accidents and half of these injuries and fatalities have children involved, the post states.

Following the post on Friday, troopers then responded to a third UTV crash at the Loop Lake Ozark Offroad Park.

"The UTV overturned, ejecting both occupants and fatally injuring a 36 year old woman from Albany, Missouri," Troop F said in its post on X. Crash reports say paramedics pronounced Shawna Dye dead on scene upon arrival. This is Troop F's second fatality for June and 17th for 2024.

Sgt. Kyle Green with the MSHP said UTVs have a tendency to overturn when they're being operated at high speeds and people are making sharp turns. He said wearing a seatbelt, as well as a helmet is crucial.

"Wearing a seatbelt while in a UTV is something that should always be done and same thing with an ATV," Green said. "If you are riding your ATV or UTV you should always have a helmet on. If that thing overturns, more than likely you're going to get ejected and you don't want your head impacting the ground."

Green also added that parental supervision is extremely important if kids or teenagers are operating the off-highway vehicle.

"You know, kids will have fun on these things but sometimes don't make the most responsible decisions... so it's important for parents to keep track of their their kids and make sure they're operating safely," Green said.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol put together a safety brochure and reference guide for ROHVs, UTVs, ATVs and motorized bicycles. You can view that here.

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