All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety

Operating (and riding) on ATV’s can be dangerous and should be done as safe as possible.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported 2,752 ATV-related deaths since 1982 with California, Pennsylvania, and Michigan with the highest death rates.

The highest risk age group is males under the age of 16.  Young people (under the age of 16) represent about 40% of all ATV-related deaths and injuries.   These youngsters are very often riding without protective equipment and with more than one person on the ATV. 

The most common injuries associated with ATV crashes are to the head, face and spine—skull fractures, facial fractures, brain injuries, coma, paralysis.  Some kids have short-term disability while others may have a lifetime disability, and some will die.

Safety Tips:

·         Always wear a helmet with eye protection

·         Wear other protective gear such as closed-toe boots, long pants, long sleeves and gloves

·         Do NOT carry passengers.  ATV’s are designed for one person.

·         Always ride during the day…never ride at night.

·         Attend a ATV driver’s safety course