Many families these days own or have access to an all terrain vehicle, or ATV. Also called a four-wheeler, these utility vehicles can be an asset on a farm or in managing hunting land. However, ATV injuries, especially among children, are on the rise. In fact, Children’s of Alabama has treated 34 children for life-threatening injuries received while riding ATVs this year, and there has been a 200 percent increase in ATV accidents in Alabama within the last 10 years. Tragically, these accidents might have been prevented had the adults providing supervision made sure that these basic safety tips were being followed:
• First and foremost, children younger than the age of 16 should never operate an ATV. Young children are not physically able to handle a motorized vehicle and lack the necessary strength and driving skills for safe handling.
• Carefully consider whether or not your teenager over the age of 16 possesses the strength and skills needed for driving and operating an ATV.
• All riders who are over the age of 16, should still be supervised by an adult at all times when operating an ATV.
• Set limits for your teenager as to where and how fast the ATV can be driven. Drivers should be familiar with the terrain and travel only on existing trails. Speed should be reduced when visibility or terrain conditions are poor.
• ATV drivers over the age of 16 should complete a special training course to learn proper operating techniques, including how to start the vehicle, how to shift gears, how to retain balance while riding, how to maneuver the
vehicle—and how to stop safely. ATV dealers can offer information on about safety courses.
• Protective gear, including a helmet, boots, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt should always be worn.
• No passengers. Most ATVs are not built to carry passengers and become very unstable with more than one rider.
"The bottom line is that ATV’s are simply not safe for children under the age of 16," says Dr. Kathy Monroe, pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s of Alabama. "As a parent, that’s tough- but tough love is certainly better than a critical injury."
For more information, visit our website at www.childrensal.org
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