Title Slide All-Terrain Vehicle Injury Prevention Injury Free Coalition for Kids

Definition All-Terrain Vehicles ATVs are 3 or 4 wheeled motorized vehicles first sold in early 1980s as work and recreational vehicles By mid-1980s, there were >100,000 emergency visits and about 350 deaths associated with ATVs annually

Characteristics ATV Characteristics Gasoline powered Knobby tires High center of gravity Engine displacement 50 to more than 500 cm 3 May reach speeds of MPH Designed for a single rider Designed for off-road use

History ATV History 300% increase in emergency department visits from Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) intervened in 1988 and Banned three-wheeled ATVs - 10 year consent decree required: - warning labels - industry voluntary safety standards - nationwide training program - retailers not to sell adult-sized ATVs to children <16 years of age

Injuries ATV Injuries Since 1997, the number of ATV injuries has more than doubled! - from 54,700 in to 111,700 in 2001 During this time period, use of ATVs has increased by only about 50% Injuries to children increased 57% between 1997 and 2001 Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2003

Common Injuries Common ATV-related injuries: Head injuries Spinal trauma Abdominal trauma Abrasions and lacerations Clavicle/extremity fractures and dislocations

Deaths ATV Deaths Deaths occur in: Collisions (56% of deaths) - more than half with fixed object Overturns (35% of deaths) - backward more common than forward 60% occur on roadways Only 1% on ATV trails Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1998

At risk populations Population at Risk Children under 16 years old constitute: 14% of all drivers 40% of all injuries 35% of all ATV-related deaths Males are over-represented: 3 times more likely to experience injury Younger males most at risk Most children (95%) are operating vehicles rated for adults Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1998

Regulations ATV Regulations 44 states have at least minimal ATV legislation Typical legislation includes parental supervision for young children, licensing/registration requirements, and bans on riding ATVs on public roads States without these laws have significantly higher death rates AJPH, 91: , November 2001

AAP Recommendations American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations, 2000 Pediatrics, 105: , June 2000 Education about: motorcycle helmets eye protection protective reflective clothing

AAP, contd American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations, 2000 Engineering approaches: seat belts roll bars headlights speed governors

AAP, contd American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations, 2000 Legislation regarding: helmet use banning 3 wheelers requirements for licensing/certification minimum driver age 16 years prohibition of alcohol, passengers, and ATV use at night

Summary Summary and Recommendations ATV injuries experienced by children are common and serious Increased educational efforts are needed to alert parents about risk to children Advocacy to increase helmet use and other safety behaviors may lead to decreased injuries Existing laws need enforcement