A Syracuse man and an Illinois woman were injured over the holiday weekend in two separate accidents involving ATVs.

Indiana Conservation Officers investigated the first accident at 3:45 p.m. Saturday. Dwight Dean, 59, of Syracuse, was riding on private property when his ATV struck a small hill. Although Dean could not recall how the accident happened, ICOs say the vehicle overturn and threw Dean, causing him to hit his head.

Dean was found after the accident by other members of his riding party and transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital. He complained of neck pain but, according to ICO Nathan Hooley, Dean is expected to make a full recovery. Dean was not wearing any protective gear.

Another ATV accident on Sunday happened at 10:15 a.m. in the Tri County Fish and Wildlife Area. ICOs say Caitlan Paloian, 23, of Rosemont, Ill., suffered a broken wrist when she crashed her vehicle, but officers say a helmet likely saved her from more injuries.

Officers found through their investigation that Paloian and her boyfriend were riding separate ATV’s on CR 850 East when they became separated. Paloian tried to turn around at the intersection of Epworth Forest Road and turned too wide, causing her ATV to roll down a steep embankment.

Paloian was transported to Syracuse Fire Department by her parents, then taken on to IU Goshen Hospital by medics. Investigating officer Nick VanderMolen commented that Paloian was fortunately wearing a helmet, which he said very likely lessened her injuries.

Indiana Conservation Officers want to remind ATV riders to always wear helmets and extra protective gear when riding, and always ride with someone if at all possible.