Somersworth man seriously injured when ATV tips over while making sharp turn

SOMERSWORTH - A Somersworth man was seriously injured in an ATV accident on Sunday.

Kevin Harris, 37, was operating an ATV on his property around 5 p.m. when he attempted to execute a sharp turn that resulted in the ATV tipping onto its side, according to a release sent out Monday by New Hampshire Fish and Game.

Due to his riding position, the incident caused Harris to suffer a serious, but nonlife threatening lower-leg injury. His wife, Abbey Harris, 37, who was a passenger on the ATV, was not seriously injuried.

Shortly after the incident, Abbey Harris made a 911 call, and personnel from Somersworth Police, Somersworth Fire, Stewart's Ambulance, and NH Fish and Game responded to the residence. Harris was transported to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital for treatment.

After an on-scene investigation and an interview with the operator, it is believed that speed and improper body positioning while executing a sharp turn were the main contributing factors in this incident. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department would like to remind all riders to wear proper safety gear when operating OHRVs, and to ride within your abilities, and the capabilities of the machine.