ATVs Can Be Dangerous

A recent National Safe Kids Campaign report stated that over 30,000 children, age 14 and under, were treated in emergency rooms for ATV-related injuries (fractured bones, head and facial injuries) and 44 children in this age group died as a result of ATV related injuries (head and neck injury). Children ages 10-14 accounted for more than 75% of the deaths. As a comparison, ATV related injuries are 12 times more likely to result in death than bicycle-related injuries. Nearly 90% of ATV-related injuries suffered by children under age 16 were caused by adult-sized ATVs (ATVs that are 90cc or larger). Additionally, reports show that males account for 60% of the ATV-related death among children ages 14 and under. Youths account for more than 33% of the ATV fatalities, but made up only 14% of the riders. Injury and fatality numbers are expected to grow as ATV sales continue to climb. Clearly, the ATV can be a dangerous vehicle.