One Person Dead After UTV Crash On Northeast Iowa Highway
A highway crash involving a Utility Terrain Vehicle and an SUV left one person dead and another injured yesterday afternoon on Highway 9 in Allamakee County.
According to a report by KWWL, Iowa State Patrol said both vehicles were traveling east on the highway while the UTV was on the westbound shoulder. Reports say the UTV turned in front of the SUV causing the crash.
Names are not being released at the time.
Closer Look at ATV Accidents
While the name ATV or all-terrain vehicle can make you think these vehicles are built for anything, that doesn’t mean they can endure everything. When deciding to climb on one of these vehicles, it’s important to understand how it works and what you do in case there is an emergency.
According to HG.org, around 135,000 people are injured from ATV accidents a year. Over 700 people are killed in these accidents each year. Of that 700 people, approximately one-third are under the age of 16. Many of these accidents could have been avoided if proper safety advice were followed.
The ATV on Highways Debate
Currently, in the legislative session, a bill that would allow ATVs to gain more access to highways is being discussed. Originally the bill would give drivers access to all state highways but a recent change would give city officials the authority over where ATVs can travel.
Two-thirds of Iowa counties already have ordinances what state which roads ATVs can use. Bill sponsor Representative Bobby Kaufmann is still considering other ideas such as requiring licenses for ATVs on roadways with other vehicles.