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FARGO - While often used for recreation, off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are also indispensable for running errands, rounding up cattle, spraying, moving supplies and numerous other tasks.
However, operators often underestimate their power and weight and the resulting danger of operating them improperly, according to Angie Johnson, North Dakota State University Extension farm and ranch safety specialist.
In 2024, 65 crashes in North Dakota involved OHVs, resulting in three deaths and 72 injuries. In 2026 so far, there have been at least four fatalities in North Dakota involving OHVs. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that from 2019 to 2024, there were 2,577 deaths related to OHVs. North Dakota Health and Human Services Trauma Registry data show that from 2015 to 2018, there were 1,117 trauma center admissions related to OHVs.
"This data only includes admissions to trauma centers, so injuries treated at other clinics and hospitals are not included," Johnson said. "These numbers indicate there is a significant risk associated with operating those vehicles."
OHVs include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), in which the rider straddles the seat and uses handlebars to steer, and utility vehicles (UTVs, often called side-by-sides), in which the operator sits inside and steers using a steering wheel. UTVs often have seating for passengers, while ATVs are typically designed to carry only the driver. Other off-road vehicles include golf carts and go-karts.
"Some of these vehicles can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour and can weigh 1,000 pounds or more," Johnson said. "Also, they often lack the safety equipment required for cars and trucks."
Head injuries, broken bones and crush injuries are among the most commonly reported crash outcomes.
Del Peterson, a researcher with the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at NDSU, said “off highway” means just that.
"These vehicles aren't designed to be operated on paved roads," Peterson said. "OHV tires have low pressure and deep treads specifically designed for off-road use. Pavement can adversely affect handling, resulting in rollovers and other accidents."
Operating on paved roads is prohibited by the North Dakota Century Code.
Operators using OHVs on nonpaved roads should be extra careful.
"OHVs are not as large as the typical car or truck, so they may not be as visible," Peterson said. "OHV drivers often enter the roadway from fields, ditches and shoulders. Car and truck drivers may not expect them to suddenly enter the roadway. Those larger, heavier vehicles are better equipped to protect occupants in crashes, so defensive driving is critical."
Johnson offers several tips for safe operation of off-road vehicles:
- Match the machine to the rider. Youth should operate youth-sized machines. Many ATVs require shifting the body when making turns, navigating slopes or driving over obstacles. If the machine is too large for the rider, they will not be able to control it. Children under age 12 should not operate ATVs with an engine size over 70 cc. Those under age 16 should not operate an ATV that is larger than 90 cc.
- Know before you go. The driver must know how to operate an OHV before doing so and must start slowly until they have acquired adequate experience with the OHV's operation and how the machine handles. Youth operators should take a safety certification class, such as the one operated by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department
- Use protective gear. Helmets are essential and required by law for operators under age 18. Make sure the helmet fits properly and is not cracked or damaged. Long pants, closed-toe shoes, a chest protector, safety glasses or goggles, and gloves help protect against potential hazards.
- Do not bring extra riders on ATVs. The long seat on many ATVs may be an inviting spot for a rider, but the driver needs room to shift their body forward and backward and from side to side to maintain control of the vehicle. A rider can also shift the center of gravity, which can impact vehicle handling.
- Load and unload the OHV safely. Use a winch if possible. Avoid using ramps that are too steep. Attach ramps securely to the trailer or pickup with straps or chains. Load slowly.
- Wear seatbelts in UTVs. Most UTVs are equipped with rollover protection structures, but those structures are useless if the driver is thrown from their seat because they are not wearing a seatbelt.
- Be extra cautious on slopes. When driving uphill on an ATV, the driver should slide forward to position their torso over the front wheels. Start the climb slowly and increase speed slowly to maintain momentum. When going downhill, shift weight to the rear. Use a lower gear, go slowly and brake gradually. Avoid driving across steep slopes.
- Use care with cargo. Adding cargo can shift the center of gravity and impact handling. Loose or liquid cargo can shift on slopes or on rough terrain. Go slow and know the towing and cargo capacity of the OHV, and don't exceed those limits.
- Go slow after dark. Stick to familiar areas. Make sure headlights are clean and work properly. Carry a flare or flashlight for emergencies. Wear reflective apparel.