Transportation and Public Works

ATV Awareness

Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Parents must be aware of the risks of driving ATV's.
ASK DR WONG, The Guardian

I work in the emergengy room. Last week, an 11-year boy was brought to our emergency room with serious injuries following an ATV accident. He was riding the family's ATV when it flipped over and pinned him underneath. He was luckly that he was able to free himself and went for help. He had a fractured collar bone and his neck was almost broken. There were bruises and scrapes all over his head, his arms and legs. He was not wearing a helmet, and there was nobody supervising him.

All of us in the emergency room were very concerned. This young boy could have killed or paralyzed.

Moreover, the ultimate responsibility lies with parents and caregivers who need to ensure that young children do not have access to ATV's, and that when they are old enough to drive one they follow all the proper precautions.

All-terrian vehicles, more commonly known as ATV's, are motor vehicles designed to be driven on non-payed surface. Almost all of them are designed for one person use only. When a passenger climbs on board, this can affect the balance of the vehicle, making it harder for the driver to control the ATV. Many ATV accidents are felt to be caused by the presence of a passenger.

The reason ATV's are prone to accidents is partly because of the design. Since the vehicles are designed to be driven off-road, uneven surface and bumps are inherent parts of the experience.

Most recent statistics in Canada showed that children younger than 15 years of age account for almost one-quarter of deaths and more than one-third of injurires as a result of ATV accidents. Although most ATV operators are adults, children account for a high percentage on injuries and death. Physical strength, skill, and maturity of the driver are all important requirements in safe operation of ATV's.

The most lethal ATV accident occurs when it collides with motor vehicles on highways.

Unfortunately, this also happens most often when the driver is young and in inexperienced.

Owners and riders of ATV's can make a significant difference by following some common sense rules. These can include wearing an approved motorcycle type of helmets as well as appropriate clothing, including boots, gloves and long pants.

Riders of ATV's should attend and complete an approved training course, such as Canada Safety Council's ATV Rider's Course, in order to learn how to safely operate the machine.

Finally and probably the most important in the scenario that you described here, is that children and young adults should not ride in an ATV as the driver or passenger.

Help us avoid any more unnecessary accidents and injuries.