NEOGA, Ill. (WAND) - 21-year-old Bianca Miller has spent the last few weeks recovering from a life-threatening UTV accident where he vehicle flipped over onto her head. 

"I only remember either getting thrown out or falling off the side by side," said Miller. 

Her step-father, Jay Shunn, said the UTV Miller was a passenger in had hit another UTV's tire, causing the vehicle to flip. He says the recovery process has been rough, especially because they don't know how long it will be before Miller fully recovers.

"She doesn't know if she will get her short term [memory] back, but her long term could take up to roughly two years," said Shunn. 

Shunn says parents should be aware of when their children are on UTVs or similar vehicles, and make sure they are staying safe. Both Shunn and Miller say everyone using these vehicles should be using seatbelts or helmets. 

Illinois State Police Trooper Haylie Polistina reminds drivers that it is against the law to drive non-highway vehicles, including golf carts, ATVs, or UTVs, on any roadway in Illinois. There are select Illinois cities and villages that have ordinances allowing these types of vehicles on local roads. 

"These vehicles are extremely heavy, and they cause accidents, as we know, so you still have a risk of ejection, you still have a risk of overturning that vehicle," said Polistina. "We need to make sure you are driving it not recklessly, not in excessive speeds,  and making sure you are vigilant of the terrain you are driving the vehicle on." 

There are no restrictions on driving these types of vehicles on private property. However ISP recommends only allowing licensed drivers over the age of 16 to drive non-highway vehicles, and for all drivers and passengers to wear helmets. 

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