5-year-old passenger killed after ATV driven by 7-year-old flips

[mahatmakanejeeves]

The smallest King Quad has a 400cc engine. New King Quads start at $6,849. Suzuki's ATV for youths is the QuadSport. It is available as a 90cc or 50cc model.

Of the QuadSport Z90, Suzuki says, "Designed for adult-supervised riders ages 12 and older." Of the QuadSport Z50, Suzuki says, "Designed for adult-supervised riders ages 6 and older."

5-year-old passenger killed after ATV driven by 7-year-old flips

Published April 8, 2023 6:07PM | Virginia | Associated Press |

VICTORIA, Va. - An all-terrain vehicle driven by a 7-year-old boy flipped and landed on his 5-year-old passenger, killing her, Virginia authorities said.

Virginia State Police responded Tuesday to the crash on private property in Lunenburg County.

The boy was driving the Suzuki King Quad ATV in the yard when the vehicle flipped, throwing both children off of it, agency spokesperson Corinne Geller said in a statement.

The ATV landed on the girl, killing her at the scene, and the boy suffered minor injuries. Neither of them were wearing a helmet, Geller said.

The crash remains under investigation.

[underpants]

1. Lunenberg County. Just south of Farmville. Horrible

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria,_Virginia

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. If the AP account is correct, that's a big ATV for a 7-year-old.

Good morning, such as it is.

[EYESORE 9001]

3. I have known people personally who suffered loss from these vehicles

along with others who were grievously injured. Even ‘responsible’ adults can get hurt on them, so what were these people thinking? 7 and 5 years old. Sheesh!

[mahatmakanejeeves]

4. I have only the AP account to go by. I'll try to find out more.

I haven't got a closer source to the event. It's possible the kids took off while no one was looking. Neither was wearing a helmet.

[Effete Snob]

5. Do these vehicles require keys?

[mahatmakanejeeves]

6. I can't say for certain, but I'd be surprised if they did not.

{edited} Even the smaller youth version, the QuadSport Z50, requires a key. From Suzuki:

The 2023 QuadSport Z50 is designed for adult-supervised riders ages six and older and includes features that make learning to ride a safe and fun experience. With an emphasis on safety and adult control, this quad features a throttle limiter to control engine output, a tether switch to remotely shut off the ignition, and a keyed main switch that prevents unauthorized use. Adjustable hand controls, an automatic transmission, full floorboards, and a low seat height make sure that beginning riders will enjoy active convenience and control. To sum it up, the QuadSport Z50 is packed with...

[Read More about 2023 QuadSport Z50]

If the smallest ATV Suzuki has requires a key to start and run, it's a certainty that all the models going up require one too.

[MichMan]

13. Quite a few people just leave the keys in them.

[3Hotdogs]

10. "Thinking," is the operative word.

[Diamond_Dog]

7. How devastating for their family! My god.

ATVs are not safe for kids under 12, even then, they need to be taught safety rules, how to properly operate the machine, and wear helmets.

My boys wanted ATVs when they were younger and my husband refused to buy one because he said you can flip one very easily. IMO a 7-year old and a 5-year old passenger are way too young to be riding one around without helmets. What were those parents thinking!!!

OK I suppose it’s possible they were riding it around without the parents’ knowledge. Still, my heart goes out to that family. The older brother must be devastated.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

8. Suzuki says 6 and up for the QuadSport Z50, with adult supervision.

The Z50 weighs 174 pounds.

https://suzukicycles.com/youth-atv/2023/quadsport-z50#overview

[Diamond_Dog]

9. OK thanks I didn't know that.

It does say “adult supervised”.

[twodogsbarking]

11. Happens a lot on ATVs. Kids and adults.

[CanonRay]

12. I live by the Oregon dunes

and we have serious injuries every years, sometimes fatalities. Our fire and rescue service is busy all summer with these accidents.

[TallMike]

14. yup

I just left a family E day event. 6 or 7, 11-16 year old kids riding quads, driving 1 ton trucks, 4x4 toyota trucks and thier ilk. Not a helmet or seatbelt in sight. Only 1 with prior experience driving. My protests met with blank stares... "That could never happen here. It's 200 acres. It's been the same way for 150 years...". Left as soon as possible. sheesh.

[Yellowdog-1966]

15. Another case of poor parenting and/or supervision.