2 Teens Killed in UTV Accident in Edinburg
Two teens were killed in a tragic all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident in Edinburg on November 26. ATVs can be incredibly dangerous, so it’s crucial that everyone knows the safety rules they should follow while driving or riding one of these vehicles. Keep reading to learn about the Edinburg accident and to get ATV safety tips from the team at Villalobos Law Firm, McAllen accident injury lawyers.
The UTV Accident
Two teenage girls were killed and another two were injured on Sunday, November 26, after they were involved in a utility task vehicle (UTV) accident in Edinburg. The accident happened near the 6400 block of Rio Grande Care close to Lake Edinburg.
Authorities received a call at 6:50 p.m. from an Edinburg resident reporting the UTV accident. Upon arriving at the scene, officers learned from the caller that two teenage girls had come to his home asking for assistance with their injuries following the crash. The caller’s wife drove the girls to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Officers found the crashed UTV Razor in a canal partially submerged in about two to three feet of water. Two teen girls were trapped in the vehicle. Authorities were able to pull the girls from the water and began life-saving measures. Both teens were transported to a nearby hospital where they were later pronounced dead. The deceased were 17 and 18 years old.
The 17-year-old killed in the crash was the one driving the vehicle when the accident occurred. According to the survivors, the 17-year-old lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the canal. It was reportedly her first time driving the UTV.
Authorities with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) warned ATV owners that “these vehicles are designed to be used off the pavement, and they are very heavy.” UTVs are a type of ATV.
“If you are involved in a rollover,” Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. Guerra said, “the likelihood of being killed or injured is very high.”
HSCO wrote in a news release that there have been a “significant number” of ATV accidents reported. Authorities added that allowing anyone 15 years old or younger to drive a UTV could result in criminal charges.
An investigation into the Sunday accident remains ongoing.
Safety Tips for ATV Drivers
As Hidalgo County authorities noted, ATV accidents can be incredibly dangerous and often deadly for those involved. Due to the high risk posed by these vehicles, it’s essential that anyone driving or riding on an ATV knows about the things they should be doing to keep themselves safe. If you own an ATV, make sure anyone who uses it follows the safety tips below:
- Never ride or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Maintain a safe speed
- Only ride on designated trails
- Always wear the appropriate safety gear, including long sleeves, pants, and helmets
- Do not allow children under the age of 16 to operate the vehicle
- If the ATV has seat belts, wear them
- Never overload an ATV with passengers
- Never drive on paved roads except to cross
If you’ve been injured in an ATV accident, a McAllen ATV accident injury attorney can help you defend your rights to compensation.
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Source: myRGV, ValleyCentral4
