ATVs are a lot of fun, but they can also cause severe injury and death.
New reports show a high rate of severe injuries among kids under 16 who drive or ride all-terrain vehicles, including amputations, spinal injuries and even death.
“ATVs are really inherently difficult to operate and the kids just don’t have the cognitive or the physical abilities to drive or ride these vehicles safely.”
Nan Peterson is child health advocacy manager with American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison. Although reports on the actual numbers vary, depending on the inclusion or exclusion of data for specific types of vehicles, Peterson is just glad to bring awareness to such injuries. She doesn’t believe kids possess the maturity or experience to operate ATVs, which can result in all kinds of injuries.
Most injuries are a result of losing control, falling off, collisions, burns and rollovers. Children under 16 account for approximately 55% of the total ATV-related injuries and deaths in 2008, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Jackie Johnson report 1:34