All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety

An ATV is not a Toy
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a powerful, motorized vehicle. It can weigh up to 600 lbs. and reach speeds of more than 60 mph. Even the best drivers often lose control of their ATV. A collision or a vehicle rollover can happen quickly. Before allowing any young person on an ATV, think twice … because you only live once.

Who is at risk?
The highest risk age group by far is males under the age of 16. Often these youngsters are riding without protective equipment and with more than one person on the ATV. Risk-taking and goofing around while riding is common. Young people represent nearly 40% of all ATV-related injuries and deaths.

What can happen?
The most common injuries associated with ATV crashes are to the head, face and spine – skull fractures, facial fractures, brain injuries, coma, paralysis and spinal cord injuries. Some kids have short-term disability, some have a lifetime of disability, and some kids die.

Why are young people injured so often?
• No helmet use.
• Carrying one or more passengers.
• Lack of mature judgment.
• Lack of adequate strength and coordination.
• ATV too big for their size/age.

Safety Tips for all ATV Riders
1. Do not carry passengers. ATVs are designed for one person.
2. Wear a helmet with eye protection.
3. Wear non-skid, closed toe shoes.
4. Wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.
5. Do not ride on public roads or at night.
6. Never use a 3-wheeler. They are unsafe and no longer manufactured.
7. Attend an ATV driver’s safety course.

Arkansas Law
* Children under 12 years of age may not operate an ATV without adult supervision.
* ATVs may not be driven on public roads.

Accidents do happen
More than 50 children are admitted to Arkansas Children’s Hospital each year with ATV-related injuries. Most are under 16 years of age. Some are only infants or toddlers, badly hurt or killed when riding as passengers.

What do doctors think about ATVs?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and The American College of Surgeons both recommend that children under 16 years of age not ride ATVs due to the high risk of serious injuries.

“ATVs are not toys. Accidents are common and sometimes deadly.
I know … I’ve had to tell the parents.”
Tim Burson, MD
Neurosurgeon
Arkansas Children’s Hospital

++ To find out about ATV safety classes near you, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887.

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