ATV's : Are they safe?
A 7 year old Troy boy was killed over the weekend while riding on an ATV. Austin Henry died while operating a four wheel 110cc SunL Cool Sport all terrain vehicle at his home.
Austin was wearing protective gear including a helmet, when the ATV's throttle stuck causing the ATV to accelerate. The boy could not control the ATV. The vehicle hit a tree, tossing the young boy from the ATV.
Austin died of blunt trauma to his head and chest. Although the ATV caught fire, Austin did not suffer any burns.
Midwest Motor Sports in Hartford, the dealer which sold the Henry's the ATV, defends the safety of the ATV. Personnel at Midwest said that there are age restrictions when children are operating a more powerful ATV. There are also tethers that an adult can use to cut off the accelerator of an ATV being operated by children. Accelerator screws can also be installed on the ATV which keeps the aTV from going past a certain speed.
Brian Basell, a salesman with Midwest believes that when ATV's are used properly "they are safe."
The crash remains under investigation.
