Vehicle Safety News

Lifting up an all-terrain vehicle, running almost a mile and driving a large diesel truck sound like the actions of a grown man or woman. However, it was these feats that 11-year-old Ryan Mills accomplished last year to save his father's life. On April 9, 2007, Ryan, who was 10 at the time, was riding with his father, Albert Mills, on a Yamaha Rhino ATV through the woods near their home in Clintonville. The vehicle flipped on a turn and landed on top of Albert, pinning one of his legs underneath.

Unable to move and feeling immense pain, Albert told his son to get the log roller from the back of the ATV and lodge it under the vehicle. Following his father's instructions, Ryan attempted to use the roller as leverage to lift the ATV, which weighed about 2,000 pounds, off his father's leg. After four attempts, the 10-year-old managed to lift the vehicle enough so his father could push himself away with his injured leg. Ryan then ran back to their house -- about three-quarters of a mile -- to drive back a truck to pick up his father. He had a little experience driving on their property. "I tried the first truck, but I couldn't shift the gear, so I had to get in the bigger one, the F350 diesel truck, and drive that back," Ryan said. After helping his father into the truck, they drove back to the house and called 911.

Fourteen months later, Albert is still recovering from the accident, walking on crutches and undergoing operations. Among the injuries and ailments he sustained are a broken tibia, fractures, broken bones and infection. "It's been a long, long process, but I'm obviously glad to be alive," he said.

Learn more about Yamaha Rhino ATV risks, injuries and lawsuits and your legal rights.