Brake Failure Leads to Tragic ATV Accident

Case Overview

This case involves a tragic incident where an individual was killed while operating a Polaris Ranger side-by-side ATV, specifically a 2012 model. The individual was traversing a steep incline when they reportedly lost control of the brakes. In an effort to avoid colliding with another ATV, they turned the vehicle, resulting in being ejected from the machine. The ATV subsequently flipped and rolled over, tragically crushing the individual. This case raises significant questions about the design and functionality of the braking system on the vehicle involved, particularly regarding any potential defects that could have led to such a catastrophic failure.

Questions to the Accident Reconstruction expert and their responses

Please briefly describe your experience with

I am a licensed professional engineer and certified accident reconstructionist with over 18 years of experience in the forensic investigation field. I am very familiar with ATV and vehicle braking systems, including the hydraulic system installed on the subject vehicle.

Briefly, what factors would you consider when determining why the brakes failed?

I would need to inspect the vehicle looking at the integrity of the lines, condition of the fluid, and master cylinder and calipers.

About the expert

This expert has over 20 years of experience as a professional engineer. He earned his BS and MS in mechanical engineering and mechanics at Drexel University. Today, he is a licensed professional engineer and he holds an additional certification as an accident reconstructionist. He stays very active in his field, as he is a holder of 2 patents and a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Safety Engineers. Previously, he was a project engineer at Boehringer Laboratories, an engineer at Ametek Aerospace, a team leader for Drexel’s SAE team, and an engineer at the Clayton H. Landis Company. Currently, he is a mechanical engineer and accident reconstructionist at a forensic engineering firm in Pennsylvania, where he specializes in the safety of mechanical systems and devices including automotive, marine and boating, aviation, recreational, commercial, and industrial equipment.

E-007805

Specialties:

Accident Reconstruction