Deadly ATV crashes lower so far this year versus years past

Deadly ATV crashes are on the downward trend so far this year, compared to years past.

Monday morning, 12-year-old Artyom Perchak died two days after an ATV crash at Finger Lakes State Park. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Perchak lost control of the ATV and it overturned. Perchak was wearing a helmet.

Despite state-enforced regulations for off-road vehicles, such as ATVs, crasges can still happen.

ATV drivers are required to use helmets and high-visibility flags.

Here is how the numbers rack up statewide:

2014: 17

2015: 14

2016: 21

2017: 6, so far this year

The Finer Lakes State Park website warns drivers what kind of terrain they might experience on its trails. The website also warns drivers that they ride at their own risk.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Scott White told ABC 17 News despite the state-enforced laws accidents and crashes can still happen.

“There is no guarantee that younger folks won’t get hurt even with the precautions and protective laws we have in place,” White said.

White advises riders and adults make sure they are on the right size ATV.

“We want to make sure we keep children off of those adult-size ATV’s,” he said. “The problem that we see is so many times the ATV is much larger than the child can handle.”