Riding an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is a popular activity, especially in states like Florida with its culture and climate that promotes outdoor fun. But ATVs can be dangerous. They are heavy machinery that can travel at fast speeds and cause serious and fatal injuries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 327 reports of ATV-related fatalities in 2011, the last year data is available. In the time since the Commission has been tracking ATV deaths – from 1982 to 2011 – there have been reports of 11,688 deaths, twenty-five percent of them among children younger than 16 years old.
In 2011, of the estimated 107,500 ATV-related, hospital emergency room injuries in the U.S., approximately 29,000 were children under 16.
In its report released in February, 2013, the Commission indicates that Florida ranks sixth among all states and the District of Columbia in the total number of ATV-related deaths since 1982. California has the highest number.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that children under age 16 should not ride ATVs. There have been over 1,200 ATV deaths among children under 12 years of age since 1982.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that children be at least 16 to ride an ATV. Age requirements vary from state to state. In South Carolina, for example, anyone over age 6 may legally drive an ATV. In Florida, anyone under 16 must be supervised by an adult and complete a safety course to operate an ATV, according to the Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Between the years 2001 and 2007, an average of 149 children per year died as a result of driving or riding an ATV.
Regardless of the laws in your state, commonsense safety practices should be followed. A knowledgeable vehicle accident lawyer should be consulted after an ATV accident.
Wear a helmet and other protective gear such as boots, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and protective eye-wear. (Of the plus-100,000 injuries in 2011, 29% were to arms and hands, 28% were head and neck injuries).
Complete a safety-training course.
Never drive an ATV with a passenger or ride as a passenger.
Never drive on paved roads. (Thirty-three percent of all ATV accidents occur on paved roads, which are not designed for ATV operation).
Never let a child under 16 drive or ride an ATV designed for an adult.
Never drive an ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
We urge everyone to follow the laws and take commonsense safety measures while driving an ATV.
Resources:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov)
Riding an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is a popular activity, especially in states like Florida with its culture and climate that promotes outdoor fun. But ATVs can be dangerous. They are heavy machinery that can travel at fast speeds and cause serious and fatal injuries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 327 reports of ATV-related fatalities in 2011, the last year data is available. In the time since the Commission has been tracking ATV deaths – from 1982 to 2011 – there have been reports of 11,688 deaths, twenty-five percent of them among children younger than 16 years old.
In 2011, of the estimated 107,500 ATV-related, hospital emergency room injuries in the U.S., approximately 29,000 were children under 16.
In its report released in February, 2013, the Commission indicates that Florida ranks sixth among all states and the District of Columbia in the total number of ATV-related deaths since 1982. California has the highest number.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that children under age 16 should not ride ATVs. There have been over 1,200 ATV deaths among children under 12 years of age since 1982.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that children be at least 16 to ride an ATV. Age requirements vary from state to state. In South Carolina, for example, anyone over age 6 may legally drive an ATV. In Florida, anyone under 16 must be supervised by an adult and complete a safety course to operate an ATV, according to the Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Between the years 2001 and 2007, an average of 149 children per year died as a result of driving or riding an ATV.
Regardless of the laws in your state, commonsense safety practices should be followed. A knowledgeable vehicle accident lawyer should be consulted after an ATV accident.
The CPSC recommends these tips:
We urge everyone to follow the laws and take commonsense safety measures while driving an ATV.
Resources: