ATVs, Fun or Dangerous?

Although all-terrain vehicles may seem like harmless fun, they are much more dangerous than they appear

Story and photos by Melissa Golio

"It was actually a very scary incident - an eye opener-because anything else could have happened, but we were lucky," said Eric Herron, 21, of an experience he had while driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in Harrison, New York. Herron had been riding with his friend up a bumpy trail on the same vehicle. Halfway up the hill they hit a large rock that caused the ATV to flip in the air; throwing Herron and his friend from the vehicle. Herron had gotten up with no problem; however, he couldn't find his friend. "I yelled out his name a few times in the matter of five seconds," Herron said. "He finally answered me back but I still couldn't see him. He then said he was under the quad." Although both boys came out of the accident all right this is not the case for several other ATV riders.

"It was actually a very scary incident, an eye opener, because anything else could have happened, but we were lucky"

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, from 1982 to 2004 there have been a total of 6,494 ATV-related deaths in the United States. New York is one of the states with the highest number of deaths.

In the Consumer Product Safety Commissions annual report of ATV related deaths and injuries, New York had a total of 49 deaths from 2002 to 2004. From the years 1982-2001, New York has had a total of 207 deaths. If New York has 49 deaths every year for the next 19 years there will be a total of 931 deaths, which is substantially larger than the total from 1982-2001. Other states with a high death and injury rate are California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

According to Dr. Barbara Gaines, M.D., the director of Benedum Pediatric Trauma Surgery department at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, the most common injuries that occur from an ATV accident are in children ages 16 and under. These injuries are head injuries such as concussions or intra cranial bleeding, skull and face fractures, and broken arms and legs.

Brenda White, a member of the ATV RuffRider's Club explained that ATVs can only be driven on designated land. The only time they can be driven on state land is if the state allows it.

"Parents should make a conscious decision before allowing their children to ride one of these vehicles"

According to White, there are some towns located in the North Country that do have designated land for ATV riders. Some of these towns are Moira, Brushton, Dickinson, Hopkinton, Nickelsville, and Brasher. Those who plan to ride an ATV on any trail should take safety precautions to reduce the risk of fatal and non-fatal injuries.

According to Gaines, there are several safety precautions to take before riding one of these vehicles. A helmet, similar to that of a motorcycle helmet, should always be worn while riding. A bicycle helmet is not as efficient and cannot protect the entire head. A full leather suit should also be worn because it adds another layer to the body which protects from scrapes and cuts, however, the leather will not prevent a broken arm or leg injury. An ATV should never be driven in only a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.

Kids ages 16 and under should never drive an adult size ATV. There is a smaller vehicle which would be more appropriate for younger children. Adult supervision is advisable. A vehicle should only be ridden during the day, and should never be driven on a regular road, only on designated trails. There should be only one rider at a time and a safety class should be taken prior to riding an ATV. Gaines feels that the parents play the most important role in ensuring their children's safety. "Parents should make a conscious decision before allowing their children to ride one of these vehicles," Gaines said.

Have you ever been in an ATV accident?

Types of ATVs

There are several types of ATVs to choose from. According to David Rabtoy, an employee of Gander Mountain Department store, some types of ATVs are more for youths with an engine size of 50-90cc, adult-size that has an engine size of 250-800cc, a two person, one person, and a utility/sports model.

According to the National Ag Safety Database:

Children ages 6 to 11 should only drive an ATV with an engine size 70cc.

Children ages 12 to 15 can drive one with an engine size 70-90cc.

Children ages 16 and older can handle anything over 90cc.