All terrain vehicle and (ATV) crashes and fatalities on public roadways in Georgia represent a growing highway safety concern. ATV crashes occur across both rural and suburban counties, usually when ATV riders operate on public roadways not intended for off road vehicles. There were a total of 3083 ATV crashes for 2020–2024 according to the GOHS database. In addition, from January 1 through June 20, 2025, the Georgia State Patrol had already investigated 42 crashes involving ATVs and UTVs, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and over 114 serious injuries statewide—six of those fatalities directly attributed to ATV use (Georgia Department of Public Safety). Fatalities and severe injury crashes disproportionately affect younger riders and rural populations where ATVs are more frequently used for work or recreation. The drivers of these vehicles are at a heightened risk when operated outside designated off road areas.

 

ATVs/UTVs lack structural integrity in the case of a crash and can become uncontrollable when the front tires leave the pavement. For the last 5-year reported period, there were 137 ATV fatalities and 417 serious injuries in Georgia. While 71% of crashes are in urban areas, 74% of fatal crashes are coded as on rural roadways.

 

In addition, 36% of fatalities were to youth under 19 years of age. Serious injuries follow a similar breakdown for urban, rural and youth, but which much higher crash incidences. 30% of crashes involving ATVs and a serious or fatal injury also involved at least one other vehicle. ATVs on Georgia roadways are a danger to ATV occupants and other drivers on the highway. According to the Report of Deaths and Injuries involving OHVs with 2+ wheels, on cpsc.gov, Georgia has the 5th highest number of reported fatalities in the nation for the three year period, 2019-2021.

 

Subsequently, there is a demonstrated need for an educational and awareness campaign to eliminate these ATV crashes from occurring. ATVs are not designed for roadway use and are dangerous when on public roads. The populations most affected include rural and recreational riders, youth, and operators of unregistered off road vehicles operating on public roads. We propose a series of awareness and training curricula using videos, social media, printed awareness flyers and inperson training as outlined in the objectives and activities of this proposal.