Youths and ATVs
By Alan Peterson, M.D.
Safe Kids Worldwide recently released its recommendation that no children under age 16 be allowed to ride an ATV under any circumstances. This is the same position that the American Academy of Pediatrics has taken.
At the same time, the Pennsylvania legislature recently enacted legislation that lowers the age of ATV riders allowed on state lands from 10 to 8 years of age. Clearly, children and ATVs are a hot topic.
The reasons given for tighter restrictions on youth operating ATVs include their lack of judgment, maturity and physical development, the inherent risks associated with ATV operation, the increased numbers of injuries to youth operators in recent years, and a lack of safety devices to protect children against injuries common to ATV riding.
At the same time, those who lobbied for loosening restrictions for younger riders on state lands believe that children benefit from family rides and that the change is likely to be an incentive for younger riders to get safety training.
The dangers to youth are very real. In 2003, nearly one third of all ATV-related injuries happened to riders under 16 years of age. An ATV injury incident is 12 times more likely to kill a child than a bike crash. In a recent report, over 30,000 children age 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for ATV-related injuries. While youth account for more than 33 percent of ATV fatalities, they make up only 14 percent of riders.
Whether or not the risk of injury to youth is sufficient to justify banning all ATV operation by youth under the age of 16 is an area that is sure to generate considerable debate over the next few years. Parents are encouraged to stay informed of the arguments for and against ATV operation by youth. Parents allowing their sons and daughters to operate ATVs should be aware of the risk, provide for proper instruction, and monitor the safe use of the ATV for both work and recreation.
Adapted from Penn State Agricultural Safety and Health’s ATV’s and Youth: Matching Children and Vehicles. For information on approved ATV safety training in Pennsylvania, visit the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/) or call (717) 783-7941.
The North American Guidelines for Children’s Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT) has the guideline, Farming with an ATV, that covers adult responsibilities and principals for determining if a young person is ready for a job using an ATV.
Dr. Peterson is a doctor of Family and Community Medicine at the Walter L. Aument Family Health Center, 317 S. Chestnut St., Quarryville.