Kids And Four-Wheeler Atvs: The Do’s And Don’ts

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are NOT toys. every year. Hundreds of people die and hundreds of thousands of people go to the emergency room because of ATV-related injuries. ATVs are one of the deadliest adventure-riding vehicles that we run. Hence it is strongly recommended that children under the age of 16 not ride ATVs. But, if you do allow your children to ride, then it is necessary to understand the risks:

ATVs can reach weights of up to 850 pounds.

• Due to their high center of gravity, ATVs possess an increased likelihood of flipping over.
• The majority of ATVs are capable of reaching speeds exceeding 60 mph, posing a risk of children losing control of the vehicle.
• ATVs lack essential safety features such as seat belts, roll bars, airbags, or safety cages to safeguard your child.
• Children and adolescents face a higher risk of injury when operating heavy-duty vehicles like ATVs, as their cognitive judgment, physical strength, and motor skills are still in the developmental stage.
• It is your responsibility to assess your child's readiness and abilities to ride an ATV, considering this information.

Here are some do’s and don’ts of ATV riding.

ATV DO’s…

Participate In An ATV Safety Training Course.

Since ATVs differ from motorcycles and cars, they require specialized, complex training. The ATV Safety Institute offers hands-on safety courses taught by licensed instructors to properly train individuals on how to safely operate ATVs in any situation. Half-day courses are available for various age groups: adults (16+), teens (12-15), youth (6-11), and families with children 6 and older. Parents must be present for the full course if their child is under 12. Participants should follow the owner's manual to allow for proper demonstration of vehicle operation. The goal of these courses is to fully educate riders of all ages on ATV features, usage, and safety precautions to follow before and during every ride.

Wear A Safety Helmet And Other Protective Gear To Prevent Injuries.

Helmets that properly fit children must meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards for kids four-wheeler riding, which is required by law. Operators should also wear recommended protective gear like goggles, boots, gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, and chest protectors. Covering exposed skin prevents cuts, scrapes, and burns from the ATV's heat. Wearing appropriate safety equipment is crucial.

Follow the recommendation for an ATV.

To reduce the risk of accidents, smaller all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are designed for children, with lower maximum speeds and weight limits clearly labeled. However, children should never ride adult ATVs, as these powerful vehicles are unsafe for young riders. When it comes to ATVs, a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.

Supervise a child operating an ATV at all times.

To ensure safety and avoid injuries, keep a watchful eye on kids by making sure they follow all rules and regulations.

Know basic first aid training.

It is essential to know how to treat minor injuries in case of accidents.

ATV DON’Ts…

• Never carry a passenger on an ATV, especially under the age of 18.
• Never drive an ATV during the nighttime or on uneven terrain.

Due to ATVs being designed for off-road use, riding them at night

poses significant dangers, as uneven terrain and other hazards become difficult to see in the darkness. This poor visibility dramatically increases the risks of crashes, injuries from rollovers, and driving into ditches.

Operating an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Operating an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous. Intoxicants impair the senses, perception, motor skills, and judgment needed to safely control any vehicle, especially off-road ones where keen awareness and quick, smart decision-making are crucial to avoid hazards.

Never let your children ride an ATV unsupervised.

To ensure safe ATV use by children: Restrict access to ATVs unless a parent or adult aged 18+ is supervising. Keep keys locked and out of reach. Require your child to ride with a buddy, each on their own ATV - never with a passenger. Having a riding partner provides safety, as it's risky to ride alone in case of an accident.

Never drive at high speeds on an ATV.

Riding a four-wheel ATV at high speeds can be very dangerous. Losing control could easily lead to injury. Make sure your child slows down, especially around turns, to avoid accidents

Conclusion

Although four-wheel ATVs are dangerous, with the above precautions, many injuries can be prevented. These safety guidelines possess the ability to safeguard the life of your child.