All-Terrain Vehicle Safety

Many estimates show that ATV-related injuries in the U.S. have doubled in a recent 5-year period and deaths also continue to climb. ATV injuries requiring an emergency room visit increased by over 100 percent from an estimated 52,800 in 1997 to 110,100 in 2001. In 2001, about a third of these victims were under 16 years old. In this same period the estimated number of ATV drivers increased 36 percent, driving hours grew 50 percent and the number of ATVs increased 40 percent. Commission staffers estimate that there were 634 deaths associated with ATVs in 2001. This is up from 291 deaths in 1997.

The major ATV manufacturers agreed in Consent Decrees in 1988 and in subsequent voluntary action plans that they would not manufacture three-wheel ATVs; they would place engine size restrictions on ATVs sold for use by children under 16; and they would offer driver-training programs.

	Children and young people under the age of 16 should not ride adult ATVs (with engines bigger than 90 cubic centimeters).
	Take a hands-on safety training course.
	Always wear a helmet while on an ATV.
	Never drive an ATV on paved roads. Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
	Never drive an ATV with a passenger, and never ride as a passenger.

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