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Summer brings with it a chance to take part in a varity of outdoor activities--one of those is ATV riding. But ATV usage can lead to injuries and death if certain safety precautions aren’t taken. KSMU’s Michele Skalicky has more…

For some people, nothing beats the rush of the wind in their hair while cruising over fields on an ATV. But the vehicles can lead to injuries and even death if not operated properly.
In fact, Jami Blackwell, CoxHealth trauma nurse clinician, says they’re seeing more people than ever come in for treatment for injuries caused by ATV accidents.
March thru May 2009 there were 12 ATV accident victims treated at CoxHealth. During the same period this year, 13 patients were admitted to the hospital for ATV-related injuries, one patient died and 16 others were treated and released. She says they’ve seen an increase in injuries from ATV accidents each year for the past several years...

"People are buying more ATVs as far as for enjoyment as for entertainment, and, you know, we--it's fun. It's kind of a thrill for the kids to be out on their ATVs."

She says, while kids and adults are having fun, they also need to take safety precautions. According to Blackwell, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends kids under 16 NOT ride on ATV’s, but she know kids will ride anyway.
She says smaller kids need to ride smaller ATVs that are designed for them.
They also need to wear appropriate safety gear including helmets made for ATV use. In fact, state law requires those under 18 to wear a helmet at all time while on an ATV. And she encourages those who purchase ATVs to take a safety course before they head out on their new vehicles.
Laws are in place in Missouri restricting the use of ATVs on public roadways, but Blackwell says that’s where some accidents are occurring.
She says even off-road, accidents can happen…

"Speed is also a factor. The uneven terrain is a factor as well. One of the other things--multiple riders. Whenever you get off-road on some of these terrains, kids like to do tricks, even the adults like to do the tricks, but there's usually more than one person on the ATV at the time when that happens."

And Blackwell says ATVs meant for one person should only be ridden by one person. When a passenger climbs on, the center of gravity is thrown off, and that can lead to ATV rollovers…

"Basically, whenever we see a lot of our collisions from the ATV accidents, they're as a result of a rollover, and the ATV actually rolls over onto the person across their chest and head."

Those who sell ATVs can be the first source for information about safe use of the vehicles. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is the number one Arctic Cat dealer in America. Spokesman Larry Whitely says when an ATV is sold there, safety is stressed…

"When they buy an ATV, there's a DVD there and a booklet that they're encouraged to read--that's kind of part of selling the ATV, and they're always aware of what's going on with it. If a gentleman is there with his 14-year-old son, and he's looking at, say, an Arctic Cat 300, which is a pretty big-sized machine, and he asks the 14-year-old how he likes that machine, if he'll enjoy driving that and everything, we've had salesmen say, 'I'm sorry. I can't sell it to you then 'cause you just told me that you're going to let him drive it by himself, and it's 16 and under and here's why, you know?' And they also point out that you need to wear a helmet--here's where helmet are over here and you can buy them other places, too, and any other safety gear they might need."

He says helmets are a must, and shorts and sandals aren’t a good idea when operating an ATV.
Jami Blackwell says adults should always supervise kids when they’re on ATVs and adults should never use alcohol when operating ATVs.
For KSMU News, I’m Michele Skalicky.
 

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