Accidents like the one involving an ATV and a vehicle that claimed two Covington County lives Monday are rare, officials said.

An Andalusia couple, Tip and Donna Campbell, died Monday when their ATV was struck by a vehicle on Covington County Road 67, also known as Hammett Road, according to Alabama State Troopers.

Covington County Sheriff Dennis Meeks explained to the Star-News the importance of operating the vehicles as they were designed.

“ATVs are made for off-road use and are not designed for riding on the highway, and it is actually against the law to ride them on the roads,” Meeks said. “What happened Monday night was a very unfortunate accident.”

An Andalusia couple, Tip and Donna Campbell, died Monday when their ATV was struck by a vehicle on Covington County Road 67, also known as Hammett Road, according to Alabama State Troopers.

“We hate what happened last night,” Meeks said. “Kids aren’t the only ones that ride them (ATVs) on the highways, adults do, too.”

Meeks said accidents of this caliber very seldom happen and more commonly, accidents involving ATVs occur in wooded areas.

According to the Alabama Department of Public Safety officials, ATVs are difficult to control on paved roadways and are not legal for roadway use.

To help ensure safe operation, Alabama State Troopers provide these safety tips:

• get trained on the operation of the vehicle;

• wear a helmet;

• do not allow children on adult ATVs;

• Do not ride tandem;

• Do not ride on pavement; and

• Do not ride under the influence.

Citations and fees can be applied to individuals who break these rules, but normally warnings are given to first time offenders, Meeks said.

-Brittany DeLong