ATVs…tonnes of fun, or too many fatalities?
Aug
18
Written by:
18/08/2010 9:34 AM
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are a big part of many families’ lives, usually for recreation, but sometimes for work too. They are definitely fun to drive and kids are eager to try them out. But ATVs are machines and they are dangerous.
While most Canadian parents would never dream of letting a child under the age of 16 drive the family car, they do allow their children to drive, or ride on, an ATV. As ATVs are often viewed as a recreational vehicle and not a means of transportation, we have seen some terrifying trends in preventable childhood injuries and deaths.
In Canada, children account for 25 per cent of all ATV-related deaths. Why? Research tells us that children do not have the physical development or cognitive ability to drive ATVs safely. The Canadian Paediatric Society and some provincial doctors’ associations have voiced strong opinions about children under 16 years of age driving any off-highway vehicles. They’ve seen the severe injuries and heartbreaking deaths of children first hand. We need to see less children dying from ATV injuries, not more. We need to get them off ATVs.
Unfortunately, even child passengers riding on ATVs are at risk. Youngsters find it hard to hold on during sudden turns, or on bumpy roads and it’s not easy for them to hold on for any length of time. Over the years, many children have been injured or killed as ATV passengers.
When your child reaches the age of 16, training classes are a great way to safely introduce ATV driving. And don’t forget the helmet (approved for ATV or motorcycle use) for all drivers and on every ride.
Parents… model safe behaviour and explain that just like driving cars, ATVs need adult skills. Children do not have the physical development or cognitive ability to drive ATVs safely. They just don’t – there is no way around it. The risk isn’t worth it, just ask a parent who has lost a child.
Copyright ©2010 Safekids Media
2 comment(s) so far...
Re: ATVs…tonnes of fun, or too many fatalities?
I live in Boston, and this is the first I’ve heard of the ban. Thanks for bringing it to my, and hopefully other’s, attention. I’ve never ridden an ATV before, and I’m definitely not under 13, but still, its very neccessary for the kids, who are under 16.
By dune buggy on
26/10/2010 8:37 AM
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Re: ATVs…tonnes of fun, or too many fatalities?
Thanks for the interesting information about ATVs.I really enjoyed reading your blog and I look forward to see you next post.It always fun to find great blogs.
By Honda ATVs on
24/01/2011 12:12 PM
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