Children and ATVs
As the summer months enter into full swing, a quick warning about the dangers of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). When used appropriately and with proper safety precautions, ATVs can be an enjoyable form of recreation. However, when used inappropriately, these vehicles pose a great risk for catastrophic injury, including TBI (traumatic brain injury).
A recent Newsweek article focuses on children and teenagers’ use of ATVs. Doctors say that children don’t have the cognitive skills, size, or strength required to operate these machines. Dr. Denise Dowd, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ injury prevention-committee, explains, “One can argue that ATVs are even more difficult to drive than a car,” citing the need to repeatedly shift weight during operation. The article highlights the experience of then 15-year-old B.J. Smith. Traveling at 60 miles per hour, Smith clipped a dog with his front tires. Smith then flew around 25 feet in the air, hitting his head on a sidewalk as he landed on the ground. "His brain was so swollen they had to cut out a piece of his skull," recalls his mother. "He's my only child. It was absolutely horrible." Today, Smith lives with the consequences of a TBI.
Consumer critics argue more limitations must be placed on ATV use. Backing them are some staggering numbers. Children under the age of 16 account for two-thirds of ATV-related deaths and injuries. A recent study in Ohio concluded $30 million is spent by emergency rooms each year dealing with 10,000 ATV-related hospital visits, and that is just in one state.
Some states have passed regulations prohibiting young children from riding and requiring riders to wear helmets. One state (North Carolina) now requires safety training for all ATV riders. The Brain Injury Association of Utah advises parents to make sure their children follow ATV safety precautions. These precautions include avoiding paved roads, riding during daylight hours, and never riding with more than one person on an ATV. As ATV sales continue to increase in this country, lawmakers must continue to pass accident prevention regulations. Regardless of what the lawmakers say, parents must insure their children are safely using ATVs, in order to avoid injuries such as Smith’s.
Click here to read the entire Newsweek article.
