For the years the Consumer Product Safety Commission has kept statistics on ATV-related fatalities, through 2011, there were 11,688 deaths in the U.S. California led the nation with 504 deaths and Texas ranked high. Nationally, 2,865 fatalities (25 percent) involved children under the age of 16; of that number, 43 percent were children younger than 12. In the latest year of CSPC statistics, there were 107,500 emergency room-treated ATV-related injuries, 52 percent of those for children under 12.
The good news is that ATV fatalities and injuries have been declining. Estimated ATV-related fatalities have declined each year from 2006 through 2011. Injuries have declined significantly over the past five years, showing “a change in trend direction.” The number of injuries per year has decline in recent years (2007-2011), and injuries involving children younger than 16 declined 27 percent during the period.
There are approximately 10.6 million four-wheel ATVs in use, more than tripling since 1998. Under the legislation, all ATV manufacturers now must certify that their products conform to the mandatory standards, and file safety action plans with the CPSC.
States are increasingly passing laws regarding ATVs on public streets and roadways (where some 50 percent of ATV fatalities occur).
The ATV Safety Institute urges all ATV enthusiasts and their families to follow its “Golden Rules” for operating their vehicles:
1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
2. Never ride on paved roads except to cross, when done safely and permitted by law — another vehicle could hit you. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway.3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people.
5. Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
6. Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8. Take a hands-on ATV Rider Course and the free online E-Course. Visit atvsafety.org or call 800-887-2887.
