All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

As ATVs become more popular for both recreational and farm use it is important to realize that ATVs operate differently from automobiles or motorcycles. A collision or rollover with an ATV can occur quickly, even during normal turning and driving on hills or over obstacles.

Facts to know:

• Four out of every 10 people treated each year in emergency rooms for ATV injuries are under the age of 16.
• ATV injuries are six times more likely to result in hospitalization and 12 times more likely to result in a fatality when compared to bicycle injuries.
• The average medical cost for ATV-related injuries among children seen in emergency rooms is approximately $6,900 per injury.
• The risk of injury to youth operating an ATV is more than twice the risk to ATV operators over the age of 35.

What’s more, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 555 people were killed as a result of riding all-terrain vehicles in 2006. About 146,600 people were seriously injured on ATVs the same year.

“ATVs are growing in popularity; unfortunately, this is also resulting in more crashes, injuries and deaths,” said Jimmy Maass, safety coordinator for Farm Bureau Insurance.

An ATV is considered a rider-active vehicle, which means the operator uses his or her body weight to shift and balance when turning, negotiating hills and crossing obstacles. A majority of ATVs have 250 to 300 cubic centimeter engines and are capable of reaching highway speeds.

CPSC data indicates that 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors. The ATV Safety Institute has eight guidelines that address those behaviors and apply to all riders:

• Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
• Never ride on public roads with other vehicles.
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
• Ride an ATV that is age-appropriate. The guidelines are:
• Age 6 and older - under 70cc
• Age 12 and older - 70cc to 90cc
• Age 16 and older - over 90cc
• Supervise riders younger than 16.
• Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
• Take an ATV rider training course.

For ATV safety tips and information on how to locate an available rider training course, visit the ATV Safety Institute or call 800-887-2887.