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Ask Dr. Sue
CHILDREN DRIVING ATVs
Dear Dr. Sue,
Our neighbor has an ATV for each member in the family,
including the seven-year-old. Last year the
youngest one rode the ATV off a small cliff and had to
have back and neck x-rays to be sure he didn't break
anything.
Luckily, he didn't. He continues to have free
access to this ATV and it scares me to death. Do
you think he's old enough to ride them? He does
wear a helmet every time.
Dear Neighbor,
I do not feel that a seven year old child should be
allowed to drive an ATV under any circumstances! Let me
back up and describe ATV's, or All Terrain Vehicles.
These small, gas engine-powered
cycles come with either three or four wheels (the
three-wheeled versions can no longer be manufactured,
but used ones are still available). They weigh
between 200 and 500 pounds.
Their tires are large and balloon-like, their seats are
somewhat oval in shape, and they have handle bars for
steering. They have a short wheel base compared to
the width of the axle, and a high
center of gravity. Some models can reach a top
speed of 50 miles per hour. These bikes, due to
their top-heavy construction, have a real tendency to
roll over during a turn. They also tend to
flip over backwards when going up a steep slope, and can
even flip over frontwards if the brakes are applied
forcefully. Testing by the Consumer Products
Safety Commission regarding the large
balloon-like tires has suggested that their bouncy
nature and the consequent lack of contact with the road
makes steering difficult even at low speeds. The
toy-like appearance of All Terrain Vehicles has given
many parents a false sense of security, however. A
federal investigation of ATVs in the
late 1980's resulted in a "consent decree" (a voluntary
commitment by the industry) which provided for the
following:
1. The ATV industry agreed to stop making 3 wheeled ATVs
(but not to recall old ones)
2. A rider-safety training (free) would be implemented
nation-wide.
3. A voluntary standard would be developed by the
industry to make ATVs safer.
4. Warnings and age recommendations would be included on
the vehicle and in advertising-ATVs with engines greater
than 70 cc should be used only by children 12 years old
and older; those
with engines over 90 cc should be used only by children
16 years old or greater.
In spite of this, deaths and injuries to children still
occur. In fact, children under 12 years of age
still represent 15% of the deaths due to ATVs.
Annual emergency department visits for treatment of
ATV-related injuries averages about 54,500; almost half
of those injured are children. Head injuries
account for most of the deaths, but there are many other
serious injuries that can occur as well, including
nonfatal head trauma, spinal injuries, and abdominal
injuries, not to mention almost any type of fracture.
The degree of injury is the same for both 3 and 4
wheeled ATVs, and it is not totally clear that the 4
wheeled variety has a lower risk of rollover than the 3
wheeled type.
The following are excerpts from the American Academy of
Pediatrics most recent position statement regarding
ATVs:
1. Off-road vehicles are particularly dangerous for
children younger than 16 years who may have immature
judgment and motor skills. CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT
LICENSED TO DRIVE A CAR SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE
OFF-ROAD VEHICLES.
2. Double riding should not be permitted.
3. All riders should wear helmets (designed for
motorcycles, not bicycles), eye protection and
protective reflective clothing.
4. Parents should never permit use of off-road vehicles
on the street, or at night.
5. Flags, reflectors, and lights should be used to make
vehicles more visible.
6. No use of ATVs after drinking alcohol (and parents
should set an example in this regard).
The AAP also feels that the industry should take further
steps to increase safety, including the following:
1. Install seat belts on 4-wheeled ATVs and require that
the vehicles also have a roll bar to prevent the driver
from being crushed by the weight of the vehicle in a
rollover.
2. Install headlights that automatically turn on when
the engine is started.
3. Speed governors (devices that limit maximum speed)
should be installed on ATVs used by inexperienced
operators.
4. Efforts should be made to design ATVs so that they
cannot carry passengers.
The following community and/or legislative changes would
also help protect young people who might be involved in
ATV use:
1. Laws should be passed in all states requiring
motorcycle-style helmets for off-road use as well as
on-road use.
2. Since many injuries are caused by riding on rough
surfaces, developing and maintaining trails for the use
of off-road vehicles should be encouraged.
3. Emergency medical services should be improved in
rural areas, to ensure a prompt and appropriate approach
to those injuries that do occur.
4. There should be a ban on the sale of all 3-wheeled
ATVs, including used ones. A recall program with
refund should be instituted for all current 3-wheeler
owners.
5. Laws should prohibit the use of ATVs by children and
adolescents younger than 16 years. An automobile
license, and preferably some additional certification in
ATV use, should be required
to operate an ATV.
6. Legislative changes should also prohibit ATVs use
after sunset or before sunrise, as well as double
riding.
 
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