Safety for off-highway vehicles

By Dee Jepsen, Wayne Dellinger, Amanda Douridas and Rob Leeds

Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) were originally designed for recreation, but their versatility has made them popular for work and transportation in rural areas, farms, and small communities. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) are now used for hauling equipment, maintaining property, and traveling short distances.

As their use expands, so do concerns about safety. Those concerns were addressed at the 2026 Ohio Safety Congress, with a three-hour workshop focused on the safe operation of OHVs in worksites, communities, and agricultural settings. The session highlighted the 3E Model of Safety — Engineering, Education, and Enforcement — as a comprehensive approach to reducing injuries and fatalities.

Engineering: Understanding vehicle design

OHVs have unique design features that distinguish them from passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and tractors. Understanding these characteristics is essential for safe operation.

ATVs, for example, use a straight axle. Their center of gravity varies based on vehicle height and wheelbase. These features directly affect stability, especially when navigating curves, hills, or uneven terrain, driving at variable speeds, or carrying loads.

Low‑pressure, high-tread tires allow OHVs to travel over multiple types of terrain while providing a relatively smooth ride. These tires are not designed for paved surfaces. On pavement, the tires cannot grip properly, increasing the risk of loss of control. For this reason, OHVs should not be operated on paved roads; they are safer on grass or dirt surfaces adjacent to roadways.

Additional equipment — such as pull‑behind mowers, snow blades, or spray tanks — can further alter vehicle balance and stability. Inexperienced riders are advised to master basic OHV operation before using add-on equipment. Speed management is also critical, as OHVs can reach high speeds that may exceed the operator’s ability to maintain control.

Education: Training for safer riders

Training plays a critical role in reducing OHV injuries, particularly with young riders. Manufacturers provide age recommendations to guide riders toward appropriately sized and engine-powered vehicles. Research shows that youth under the age of 16 lack the physical strength, cognitive maturity, and judgment required to safely operate adult‑sized ATVs. Pediatric injury data strongly support these findings.

Studies also show that the most serious OHV injuries happen in the first year of ownership. To lower this risk, riders — especially youth — should complete a Rider Education Course through the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). SVIA offers in-person training and a free online ATV safety certificate course at svia.org/atv‑ecourse. Local dealerships may also offer training for new owners.

The Ohio 4‑H program provides an ATV Safety Project Book designed for riders of all ages. Available through local Ohio State University Extension offices or online at projectcentral.ohio4h.org, the resource introduces riders to ATV operation, protective gear, riding techniques, and safe strategies.

Environmental stewardship is an important part of OHV education. Riders are encouraged to “tread lightly.” Respect nature and private property, stay on established trails, and pack out all items brought with you. A good service‑learning project is to start a trail in your area or adopt a trail to maintain by trimming branches and clearing debris.

Enforcement: Laws and accountability. 

Enforcement of OHV laws and rules is the last piece of the 3E safety model. State laws may require young riders to get certification or ride with a parent or guardian age 18 or older when using public land. Local rules control use of OHVs on public roads. Riders should contact their county sheriff’s office or municipality to learn about inspection and permit requirements.

Ohio currently ranks ninth nationally for OHV-related fatality and injury rates. To prevent injuries, it’s important to understand the interaction between the vehicle, the operator, and the environment. By integrating engineering awareness, education, and enforcement of best practices, the 3E Model provides a practical framework to reduce crashes and injuries and promote safer OHV use statewide.

For more information or inquire about an OHV workshop, contact Dee Jepsen, jepsen.4@osu.edu; Wayne Dellinger, Dellinger.6@osu.edu; Amanda Douridas, douridas.9@osu.edu; and Rob Leeds, Leeds.2@osu.edu.