As Christmas rolls around again, some people may have friends or family over to do some off-roading on ATVs or 4-wheelers. With the good weather we have had this year and holidays, many young people may be out on 4-wheelers. Keep in mind that 4-wheelers are manufactured by an industry that is self-regulated largely. The only warning labels that appear are on certain models with certain engine sizes or for use by children under the age of 16. A little over half of the states in the United States have minimum age requirements for the operation of an ATV, and only a few states have requirements that ATV operators be 16 years or older.
Nearly 40,000 children 15 and under were treated in emergency rooms for ATV related injuries. Many of these injuries include broken bones or head and face injuries. Most fatal ATV accidents are due to head or neck injuries.
The majority of injuries to children under 16 occur when children are riding on full size ATVs that roll over.
Helmets can protect against many fatal head injuries, but cannot protect against all spinal cord or other serious injuries.
If you are going to allow your child or guests to operate an ATV, then strongly consider only allowing children over the age of 16 to operate an ATV. If a child under the age of 16 is going to operate an ATV, make sure it is an ATV that is designed for children of his or her size. Make sure that you provide training and supervision to all children who use the ATV and make sure that the proper safety care is worn, including helmets with face protection.
Never, ever let children operate ATVs on public roads. Almost all communities have safety courses that are available for training on ATV use. Any parent should strongly consider having their child complete an ATV course before allowing them to ride an ATV.
Please keep these precautions in mind as you gather with family and friends to celebrate, and I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.
ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries for All Ages
1985-2010
(ATVs with 3, 4 or Unknown Number of Wheels)
|
Year
|
Reported Deaths¹
|
Estimated Deaths
|
Estimated Number of Emergency-Room Treated Injuries
|
|
2010
|
317
|
*
|
115,000
|
|
2009
|
649
|
781
|
131,900
|
|
2008
|
707
|
833
|
135,100
|
|
2007
|
804
|
893
|
150,900
|
|
2006
|
833
|
903
|
146,600
|
|
2005
|
799
|
924
|
136,700
|
ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries for Children Under 16
1982-2010
(ATVs with 3, 4 or Unknown Number of Wheels)
|
Year
|
Reported Deaths ¹
|
Percent of Total
Reported Deaths
for All Ages |
Year
|
Estimated Number of
Emergency-Room
Treated Injuries |
Percent of Estimated
Injuries for All Ages |
|
2010
|
55
|
17%
|
2010
|
28,300
|
25%
|
|
2009
|
93
|
14%
|
2009
|
32,400
|
25%
|
|
2008
|
105
|
15%
|
2008
|
37,700
|
28%
|
|
2007
|
132
|
16%
|
2007
|
40,000
|
27%
|
|
2006
|
142
|
17%
|
2006
|
39,300
|
27%
|
|
2005
|
162
|
20%
|
2005
|
40,400
|
30%
|
for Four-Wheel ATVs as of December 31, 2010
|
Year
|
Reported Deaths ¹
|
Estimated Deaths Associated with
ATVs with 3, 4, or Unknown Wheels |
Estimated Deaths Involving 4-Wheel ATVs
|
Estimated 4-Wheel ATVs in Use (millions) ²
|
Estimated Risk of Death per 10,000 4-Wheel ATVs in Use
|
|
2009
|
649
|
781
|
762
|
10.5
|
0.7
|
|
2008
|
707
|
833
|
813
|
10.2
|
0.8
|
|
2007
|
804
|
893
|
864
|
9.5
|
0.9
|
|
2006
|
833
|
903
|
876
|
8.6
|
1.0
|
|
2005
|
799
|
924
|
883
|
7.8
|
1.1
|
MO State Laws:
- All riders (passengers and operator) under 18 must wear a helmet at all times.
- All ATVs must be titled and registered; registration renewal is once every three years.
- No one under 16 may register an ATV.
- ATV use on highways is prohibited, except for agricultural or industrial purposes.
- No one under 16 may operate an ATV unless on a parent’s land or accompanied by a parent.
- Passengers may not be carried except for agricultural purposes and except for ATVs designed to carry more than one person.
|
State ATV Deaths
|
Total Reported Deaths (1982-2010):
*Data collection for 2007-2010
is ongoing |
326
|
| Reported Deaths (1982-2006): |
241
|
Reported Deaths (2007-2010):
*Data collection for 2007-2010
is ongoing |
85
|
Reported Deaths (1982-2006):
Children under 16 |
67
|
|
|
| Do not drive ATVs while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time and judgment, two essential skills for safe ATV use. |
Scott Vorhees
Scott@4stateslaw.com
Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci
510 West 6th Street
Joplin, Missouri 64801
417-206-0100 office
417-206-0110 fax
866-836-0100 toll free
www.4stateslaw.com
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