Every year my husband and I have the same argument about the kids being old enough to ride on (or drive themselves!) our ATVs. We live on a ranch with a lot of open space so they aren’t going to run into any traffic. But I think they are too young to handle the machine. There are pot holes, downed barb wire, and other unseen booby traps. He says I worry too much. What do the experts say about this?

The use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has increased dramatically in the last 10 years. Injuries (even fatal ones) have increased, too. Forty per cent of all ATV-related deaths are children. Studies have shown that children under the age of 16 are three times more likely to get hurt than older riders/driver.

There are recommendations about children and ATV use. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) all agree:

  • No one under the age of 16 should be on an ATV (as a rider or driver)
  • Children 12 and under do not have the body size or strength to handle an ATV
  • Children 12 and under do not have the motor skills or coordination needed for safety on an ATV
  • Children under the age of 16 do not have the judgment or perceptual skills needed to safely
    operate high-powered vehicles such as an ATV

    ATV-related musculoskeletal injuries are common in children simply because they don’t have the muscle bulk or body mass to protect them. Their injuries are different from adults. They are at risk for serious injuries, including death. Skull and facial fractures top the list of most common injuries. Brain injuries follow in a close second.

    Although leg fractures are the most common orthopedic injury, forearm, arm, and spine fractures have also been reported. Older children break more than one bone more often than younger children who tend to have a single fracture. Hospitalization and surgery were part of the treatment for two-thirds of the patients.

    Some of the other risk factors in ATV-related injuries in children are due to rider-vehicle mismatch. Many children are operating adult (full) sized ATVs. Even with the smaller, less powerful models marketed for children, rollover accidents are common. Side rollover accidents in younger children who don’t have the strength to lift the machine may be the cause of leg fractures.

    We think the evidence speaks for itself. Children’s safety is everyone’s business. Decreasing the number and severity of these injuries must be a priority. Better yet — preventing these types of injuries altogether should top the To Do list of all ATV manufacturers, retail businesses selling these machines, and owners/users of ATVs.