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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A Christmas Day crash between an ATV and an SUV in Dougherty County has renewed focus on off-road vehicle safety after the ATV driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The collision occurred at Byron Plantation Road and Coachlight Court when an ATV driver made an improper left turn while an SUV was passing, according to Dougherty County Police. The ATV operator was cited for the improper turn and taken to the hospital.

ATV Safety Consultant Thomas Yager said proper preparation is essential for safe riding.

“First, just be sure that you’re outfitted with all the protective gear. Take advantage of training and, uh, it’s the best, best way to learn. It’s sometimes referred to as the ultimate test drive,” Yager said.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety reported that between January 1 and June 20, 2025, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 42 crashes involving ATVs.

A neighbor who asked not to be identified said ATVs are rarely seen in the area where the crash occurred.

“Basically, I’ve never seen ATVs on that road, so that was really, really surprising when I heard that there had been an ATV crash, because that is such a busy road, even though it’s a really residential area,” the neighbor said.

Yager said training can help riders handle unexpected situations.

“Things can go bad quickly, but when you take the right steps to ride ATVs safely and responsibly, um, millions of people enjoy them safely. A lot of its common sense, but, um, take the time to prepare yourself to have the best experience on an ATV,” he said.

Experts recommend that parents educate children about ATV risks to prevent emergency room visits during holiday celebrations.

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