ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV) SAFETY Information and Prevention April 2009

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV) SAFETY Information and Prevention April 2009

Training Objectives Identify the regulations associated with ATVs in the state of Missouri. Recognize the dangers that ATVs can pose. Identify methods parents and adults can use to keep kids safe on ATVs.

What is an ATV? All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are motorized cycles with 3 or 4 tires. ATVs weigh between 300 and 600 pounds. ATVs run an average speed of 20 to 55 miles per hour. ATVs can reach speeds of up to 75 miles per hour. ATVs are not toys. They can cause serious injury if not used properly.

Where Should ATVs Be Driven? ATVs are designed to be used off-road. In Missouri, ATVs are not to be used on highways unless the ATV is operated by the government or operated for agricultural use between the hours of sunrise and sunset. (Missouri State Highway Patrol)

ATV Registration Requirements ATVs can not be operated in the state of Missouri without being registered with the Department of Revenue. No one under the age of 16 is allowed to register an ATV.

ATV Injuries Occur when: The driver loses control and the ATV rolls over; A passenger is thrown off; or When there is a collision with a fixed object.

Missouri Child Deaths Due to ATVs Three of the 93 motor vehicle fatalities reviewed by CFRP panels in 2007 involved all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Only one of the three Missouri children who died in ATV-related accidents in 2007, was wearing a helmet.

In 2007, only one of the ATV fatalities among Missouri children was 16; the other two were age 12 and 13. In 2007, a 13-year old was driving an ATV on a gravel road, when he lost control and ran off the roadway, striking a tree. He suffered massive head injuries. He was not wearing a helmet.

In 2007, a 12-year old was being taught to drive an ATV by his aunt. The child was on the front seat and the aunt was in the rear. They were doing circles in a rural yard, when he got too close to a barbed wire fence, hit the throttle instead of the brake, sending the ATV into a fence at a high rate of speed. The child suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

What Can Parents Do to Keep Kids Safe on ATVs? A child under the age of 6 years old should not be riding an ATV. A child between the ages of 6 and 16, should be riding an ATV that is the appropriate size for their age: 6 years and older Engine Size Under 70cc 12 years and older Engine Size of 70-90 cc 16 years and older Engine Size Over 90cc (ATV Safety Institute)

What Can Be Done to Keep Kids Safe on ATVs? Always provide supervision to children while riding an ATV. Provide a helmet for your child to wear while riding an ATV. Enroll your child in an ATV training course. Know the state laws surrounding ATVs (registration requirements, required safety equipment, rules of operation).

What Can Kids Do to Stay Safe on ATVs? If you're between the ages of 6 and 16, only ride an ATV when your parents can supervise you. Always wear a helmet. Wear goggles, boots, and gloves that will protect you from harm while riding an ATV. Never ride an ATV as a passenger.

Never operate an ATV with a passenger on board. ATV's are one person vehicles. Avoid riding your ATV on steep slopes or rocky terrain. Do not operate ATV's at high speeds. Do not drive your ATV on public roads (streets, highways, or paved roads).

For More Information U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.ATVSafety.gov All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute, www.atvsafety.org Missouri State Highway Patrol, http://www.mshp.dps.mo.gov/MSHPWeb/Publica tions/Brochures/documents/SHP-448.pdf Injury Free Coalition for Kids, http:// www.injuryfree.org/safetytpc display.cfm?Perma nentId D331E956-B845-4AFC-9478A4A8CAC0AE55

MO Department of Social Services State Technical Assistance Team Address: PO Box 208 Jefferson City, MO 651020208 Telephone: (573) 751-5980 (800) 487-1626 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, Monday – Friday) Email: [email protected]