{"id":3051,"date":"2026-07-04T07:33:31","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T07:33:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tucsonmovingreport.com\/?p=3051"},"modified":"2026-07-04T07:33:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T07:33:31","slug":"arizona-game-and-fish-urges-off-highway-vehicle-safety-ahead-of-july-4th-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tucsonmovingreport.com\/?p=3051","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Game and Fish urges off-highway vehicle safety ahead of July 4th weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"
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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Southern Arizona is no stranger to off-highway vehicle accidents, and 4th of July weekend is one of the worst times of year for them. <\/p>\n

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Off-highway vehicle (OHV) fatalities surged 127% nationwide in 2024, and the 4th of July is among the deadliest days of the year for OHV drivers.<\/p>\n

According to the Consumer Federation of America, more than 600 people died in off-highway vehicle crashes in 2024 \u2014 more than double the number from the previous year. Nearly 70 of those deaths occurred on the 4th of July alone.<\/p>\n

Safety precautions urged ahead of holiday weekend<\/h2>\n

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is urging OHV drivers to wear a helmet and protective eye gear, buckle up, and minimize the number of passengers in their vehicle.<\/p>\n

Cassidy Hoffman, marketing manager for Tucson Adventure Rentals, said those measures can reduce injuries in a crash, but controlling speed is the most effective way to prevent one.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven if they are an experienced driver, when something comes in front of you, you have a fraction of a second to make a decision of what to do,\u201d Hoffman said. \u201cAnd going as fast as you can, makes it as dangerous as you can be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoffman recommends keeping speeds at no more than 25 to 30 miles per hour and pulling over when visibility is limited. He also suggests applying the brake lightly to avoid sliding or spinning out.<\/p>\n

Mandatory safety course now required for OHV registration<\/h2>\n

Many of those tips are included in a free OHV safety education course offered by Arizona Game and Fish, which became mandatory for OHV vehicle registration in January 2025.<\/p>\n

Hoffman said overconfidence is a common risk factor among riders of all experience levels.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThese will do almost anything you put in front of them, but people\u2019s experience is always different, and a lot of people will become overconfident, super quickly,\u201d Hoffman said.<\/p>\n

He said awareness of other drivers remains critical, even for those who follow the rules.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s truly the 1% of people, but it\u2019s that 1% that everyone has to be aware could be coming around the corner, so as long as you\u2019re being safe, you\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Hoffman said.<\/p>\n

AZGFD recommends all drivers and riders take these actions while participating in off-roading activities. <\/p>\n