Just two days after a child tragically lost their life in an ATV crash in Vanceburg, Kentucky, another serious accident involving an all-terrain vehicle has shaken Southern Ohio. This time, it happened in Rarden, where a woman and four children were injured in a devastating crash.
The first 911 call reported an unconscious woman and a child bleeding, but when first responders arrived, they discovered four injured kids along with the adult driver. The situation quickly escalated as emergency crews called in Ohio State Highway Patrol, Adams County EMS, and air ambulances to handle the severity of the injuries.
🚁 Two helicopters were dispatched, with landing zones set up at Union Fire Department and Rarden Park.
🏥 One adult was flown to Cabell Huntington Hospital, while a seriously injured child was taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
🚑 Another patient was rushed by ambulance to SOMC ER in Portsmouth.
This crash is just the latest in a string of tragic ATV incidents involving children in our region—and it’s a harsh reminder of just how dangerous these vehicles can be, especially during the summer when kids are out of school and ATV use spikes.
⚠️ Why ATVs Are So Dangerous for Kids
All-terrain vehicles may look like fun, but they’re not toys—especially for children. Here’s why:
- 🧠 High Risk of Traumatic Injury – ATVs lack basic safety features like seat belts or roll cages.
- 🚫 Kids Lack the Strength & Judgment – Children often can’t control or safely operate the vehicles, even on flat ground.
- 🏍️ High Center of Gravity – ATVs tip and roll easily, especially with more than one rider.
- 🪖 Many Kids Don’t Wear Helmets – Head injuries are a leading cause of death in ATV crashes.
- 🚧 No Protection in a Crash – Riders are completely exposed in the event of a rollover or collision.
🛑 Tragedies That Still Haunt Our Community
This isn’t the first time ATV crashes have rocked the region:
- In 2023, two adults were charged after a 7-year-old boy died in an ATV crash at Doc Singleton Park near Dry Run Elementary.
- That same year, a 13-year-old boy lost his life in a rollover accident at Big Bear Creek Lake.
✅ ATV Safety Tips for Parents
If your family uses ATVs, please follow these critical safety rules:
- 👦 Children under 16 should NEVER operate full-size ATVs
- 🪖 Always wear a helmet and protective gear
- 🧍♂️ One rider per ATV—no doubling up
- 🌅 Ride only in daylight hours
- 🚫 No riding on roads—ATVs aren’t made for traffic
- 🧑🧒 Supervise kids closely if they’re near or around ATVs
A summer ride shouldn’t turn into a nightmare. Let’s keep our kids safe and remember: just because it has four wheels doesn’t mean it’s safe for little hands.