UTV Seatbelts

Around our farm areas, UTVs (utility task vehicles, or more commonly known as a side-by-sides) have become our primary mode of transportation. They are easy to maneuver in and out of fields and barns and can usually haul enough load to complete the job task at hand. The UTV market as exploded in popularity for recreational use and is a part of many folks’ weekend fun. However, at work, we must tame driving styles and realize these vehicles are a tool not a toy!

The vast majority of UTV accidents at work are the results of two actions:

• Distracted Driving – simply not looking ahead or remaining constantly aware of surroundings to be a proactive driver, having the time needed to make corrections to avoid an accident.
• Speeding - too fast for the conditions and surroundings to remain in control.

In every past UTV accident around here, injuries could have been eliminated or minimized by one action:

• Wearing the seatbelt.

UTV manufacturers also have noticed the correlation of high speed and lack of seatbelt use. So now, most new UTVs have throttle governors that keep speeds slow unless the seatbelt is buckled.

A disturbing trend has been to bypass these safeguards or simply keep the seatbelt buckled behind the driver to override the feature. DO NOT do this on MSU owned UTVs. That is knowing and purposeful disregard to safety and cannot be tolerated.

According to statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission two-thirds of UTV accidents involved a rollover. In more than 80% of the deaths that occurred, the occupant was ultimately ejected (whether fully or partially) from the UTV.

Question:
Knowing all the above information, what will help to protect you the most during a UTV accident?

Answer:
Wear your seatbelt!