Two Brothers in Miami, Florida Seriously Injured in ATV Accident
An accident in Northeastern Miami County about a week ago sent a pair of brothers to the hospital in critical condition, according to reports. The two brothers, aged 13 and 18, were riding an all-terrain vehicle near 223rd Street and Switzer Road, close to Bucyrus, when the accident occurred amidst rush hour traffic on a Monday. 
The vehicle, like other ATVs, does not have an enclosed driver or passenger's compartment; rather, the top of the 4-wheel automobile resembles that of a motorcycle, with very little protection for occupants. Therefore, risk of injury is much higher in an ATV than a normal automobile, particularly if the ATV collides with a standard car or truck, as in this case. It is not clear whether the boys were wearing helmets, but it seems unlikely.
At around 5:17 p.m. last Monday, the 13-year-old boy, who was driving the vehicle, blew through a stop sign while driving himself and his little brother around on the ATV. It is not known if the boys' parents knew where they were. John Butel, 56, did not see them coming and the ATV and 2004 Chevrolet truck collided in the street, sending the kids flying.
Butel says that he was driving home from work at the time of the accident. After recovering from his shock of hitting the ATV, he said, he parked his vehicle, called 911 and went over to try to help the children. Other drivers who were passing the scene also stopped and offered assistance. Butel says that the children were moaning on the ground after the accident.
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