ATV safety for kids

Listen to this radio story about ATV safety for kids (MP3 download)

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 30% of the people killed or injured each year in ATV-related accidents are children under the age of 16. Risk factors for young riders include no helmet use, a lack of physical strength, riding with a passenger, and excessive risk-taking behaviors. In addition, 97% of the injured youth were operating ATVs larger than the manufacturer's recommendations. While it may seem cost-effective to purchase one ATV for everyone in your family to share, children under the age of 16 should not drive an ATV over 90 cc. Riding an adult-sized vehicle more than doubles a child's accident risk.

Radio interview source: Doug Morris, All Terrain Vehicle Association

For additional information about ATV safety, we recommend these helpful links:

Stay Safe on Your ATV: ATV safety tips for the entire family.

Children's Safety Network: An overview of the safety issues associated with allowing children under 16 to operate ATVs.

ATV Safety Institute: Learn more about safety training classes in your area.