All-terrain
Vehicles are Dangerous
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no children under age 16
drive ATVs . The vehicles are too dangerous for these children even if they
wear helmets. Helmets can reduce injuries by over 60% but children still suffer
too many injuries and death because the vehicles can reach very high speeds and
are too unstable. Although half of the fatal accidents were head injuries, the
other half were when children were crushed, suffocated, or thrown by the large,
heavy vehicles that can travel at high speeds. There is no federal law
regarding the use of ATVs. At minimum, the AAP would like to see regulations
similar to bicycle laws that require wearing helmets and protective gear and
not driving with a passenger.
For now, age restrictions and helmet laws vary by state. Some states require
safety training and will not allow children under age 10 to operate a vehicle
on public land. But other states have no restrictions at all. West Virginia
will not allow children under 16 to ride oversized vehicles limiting the size
to 90 cc for 16 year olds and 70 cc for those under 12 years old. Pennsylvania
requires that all children wear helmets and does not allow them to drive ATVs
on paved roads.
ATV riders of all ages need to remember that ATVs are unstable and dangerous.
If you do need to purchase one, it should be a machine designed for power
traction and stability, not a model that is made just for thrills. Always obey
the local laws and regulations, and wear protective gear including a helmet,
goggles or face shield, gloves and boots. Never ride with a passenger, and
don’t drive the machine yourself before learning how to operate it by taking a
safety course. Some common-sense advice on braking, turning, and climbing and
descending hills can be found at the West Virginia University Extension Service
at: www.wvu.edu/~agexten/ageng/atvsafe.htm.
With the rise in popularity of ATVs in recent years and increasing deaths
and injuries from ATV-related accidents, the AAP is hoping the Federal
Government will view the statistics and enact national legislation that will
keep children from using ATVs. No matter what your state’s current laws, it’s
important for all drivers to at least wear protective gear for the head and
eyes and operate their ATV without a passenger.
SOURCES: Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics; University of West
Virginia
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/113/4/e330