BACKGROUND: All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are unstable on steep and
rough terrain, and thus, rollover is the most common accident which can
result in a high rate of fatal outcomes, with higher rates for young and male
drivers.
OBJECTIVE: This paper investigates the ability of rural
Pennsylvania ATV drivers to correctly evaluate slopes, and the mean slope
angle at which the most and least conservative drivers indicate a beginning
of concern of a roll-over.
METHOD: The study was conducted using a simulator, a commercial ATV
firmly fixed on an hydraulically-lifted platform. As the platform was being
raised, participants were asked to report when they became uncomfortable and
then when they would not drive across a slope at such an angle. The
difference between the reported and the actual angles in both conditions
were analyzed.
RESULTS: Fifty-five individuals, mostly male and younger than 20
years, participated in riding on the simulator. Between 1/3 and 1/4 of the
participants correctly estimated the angle while approximately 2/3 of
participants overestimated the angles at which they felt they would be
uncomfortable and they would not drive across. Participants began to feel
uncomfortable at 15.9 ± 5.7 degrees and became so uncomfortable that they
felt they would not drive at 22.7 ± 3.7 degrees.
CONCLUSIONS: Overestimation of lateral roll angles is the most
common result. This is in favor of safety when drivers are informed about a
slope limit ATVs should not be operated on.
