The rise in all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-highway vehicle (OHV) accidents has prompted UCHealth and the OHV 2025 Workgroup to launch a new safety initiative aimed at reducing injuries among riders in southern Colorado. The program, which included an educational event at the Rainbow Falls trailhead near Woodland Park, brought together several organizations to inform the public about ATV safety practices.
During a recent event, visitors observed a UCHealth LifeLine helicopter land as part of a demonstration intended to highlight emergency response procedures. Attendees had the opportunity to speak with injury prevention specialists, explore informational booths from groups such as Stay the Trail, Ute Pass Regional Paramedic Services, Mountain Communities Fire Department, and Pike National Forest, and receive advice on safe riding techniques.
Austin Gipson, who attended with his family, described how he was taught from a young age to wear proper protective gear. “Helmets, boots, goggles, gloves,” said Austin. “Those were a must. If he saw us without one of those, he’d yank us off (the ATV).” His younger siblings Erin and Damien Keogh also wore full-face helmets and goggles at the event. Erin emphasized the importance of helmets: “It’s very important to wear the helmet because without it, you could get really hurt.”
UCHealth Pikes Peak Regional Hospital has seen ATV accidents become the second-leading cause of emergency room visits at its Woodland Park location. Holly Heise, UCHealth outreach program manager-trauma services and registered nurse, noted that these incidents often fill up their 10-bed ER following multi-passenger OHV rollovers.
In response to this trend and recognizing gaps in state-level data collection on ATV injuries or coordinated education efforts in Colorado—factors that make it difficult to assess the full scope of the problem—UCHealth injury prevention specialist Hannah Carlo facilitated collaboration between organizations for public outreach. “We realized we needed to start doing something,” Carlo said after being contacted by Heise about rising accident rates.
The group produced educational materials on safe riding practices—including recommendations such as wearing helmets and eye protection; not doubling up riders; yielding trails appropriately; obeying speed limits; avoiding drugs or alcohol while driving; checking weather conditions; carrying essentials like first aid kits; never riding alone; and sharing itineraries before heading out.
Carlo recently presented these efforts to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council Prevention committee. She cited national statistics showing that ERs treat more than 100,000 ATV injuries each year according to Consumer Products Safety Commission data.
Encouraging helmet use remains central for organizers due to its proven effectiveness: Heise stated that helmet use reduces head injury risk by 69% and lowers fatality risk by 37%. At events like Rainbow Falls’ safety day—which attracted over 60 visitors—attendees received giveaways including stickers for helmets as well as opportunities to win vouchers for safety gear provided through partnerships with local businesses such as Apex Sports in Colorado Springs.
“Most, if not all, of these are preventable injuries if people would drive safely and take precautions,” Heise said.
Craig—a rider who attended with his wife Basmah—summed up their approach: “We always want to ride another day,” he said. “And we don’t want to hurt anyone else.” Michael Gipson echoed support for ongoing education initiatives: “Absolutely.”
The new program aims not only to address immediate risks but also seeks expansion across Colorado so more communities can benefit from improved rider safety awareness.
