HARRIS COUNTY, Ga. (WRBL) — As off-road vehicle use surges across Georgia in the summer months, state troopers are urging the public to use caution when operating all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), low-speed vehicles (LSVs), Golf Carts, and multipurpose off-highway vehicles MPOHVs.
From January through June 2025, Georgia State Patrol reports they investigated 42 crashes involving MPHOVs and ATVs, resulting in 13 fatalities (14 statewide) and 64 serious injuries (114 statewide) on Georgia’s roadways. Of the 14 fatalities, eight involved MPOHVs and six were ATVs.
“For all intents and purposes, they're heavy machines and they should be treated as such,” said Corporal Taylor Stevenson with Georgia State Patrol. “Most cases that we see there's common safety mistakes with DUI, driving impaired, and then if we're not wearing seatbelts or any other safety equipment as required, like helmets.”
Corporal Stevenson says typically there is an increase in off-road vehicle crashes during the summer, with more traveling, kids home from school and people spending more time outdoors.
For the Henson family of Harris County, the danger of off-road vehicles became painfully real in 2023, even though they took all the safety precautions.
Twelve-year-old Colin Henson was driving a side-by-side vehicle with friends, something the family often did on their property. He wore a helmet, gloves, and had his phone with him. But in an instant, the vehicle flipped, pinning Colin underneath.
“Everything was kind of normal,” said Dr. Nicholas Henson, Colin’s father. “But he couldn't get it off of him. Its just accidents happen when you are on these vehicles. And I don't know that anything could change that.”
Colin suffered a traumatic brain injury and died a few days later in the hospital. His parents and siblings were left devastated but determined to carry forward Colin’s spirit. Saying they knew how great Colin was but didn't realize the impact he had on those around him until after his passing.
Shortly after Colin’s death, the Hensons launched Care Like Colin, a nonprofit aimed at supporting local youth. A generous donation from a local family helped them get started. The name came from a remembrance message written in chalk by Colin's teacher and classmates.
“I just kept hearing this voice, telling me I had to give back,” Dr. Henson said. This desire to turn their grief into something positive was made easier by the support of their community.
The organization now funds scholarships, supports youth athletics and education, and even distributes hospital pajamas through a program called Colin’s Closet for patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The organization has held a 5k and fun run as well as an annual memorial sporting clays shoot.
“The goal is to help in all ways we can, all aspects of kids growing up,” Henson said. “Athletics, education, health and wellness, religion even, arts and science, whatever we can just to help."
Dr. Henson also urges parents and community members to learn CPR. It’s what he believes kept Colin alive long enough for family and friends to say goodbye.
“Knowing CPR gave us those last moments,” he said. “Everyone should know it. You may never think you’ll need it until you do.” Dr. Henson says he hopes to start a lifesaving instruction program through Care Like Colin.
Georgia State Patrol says many crashes involve young or inexperienced drivers, especially when basic safety precautions are skipped.
While the Hensons followed every safety rule they knew, they hope sharing Colin’s story will inspire others to stay alert, ride responsibly, and understand the risks are there even when following protocol.
And through Care Like Colin, they’re reminding the community that small acts of care and smart choices can make a life-changing difference.
In addition to the article urging caution, the Georgia Department of Public Safety published a comparison chart to break down the key differences between different off-road vehicles:
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