ATV and Motorcycle Safety Common Core Standard PCH 3.1 Summarize the risks associated with ATV’s and Motorcycles You have arrived at the ATV and Motorcycle Safety Lesson. In this lesson we will be summarizing the risks associated with using ATV’s and Motorcycles. So let’s go see what those risks are and how we can avoid them.

Think about it… How can I remain safe while operating an ATV or motorcycle? What are the risks of operating an ATV or motorcycle? You might say to yourself, “Is this really a lesson in health?” and “why are they bringing this topic up?” I have been a teacher for 16 years and worked in a regular classroom as well as teaching online. In the last 10 years, I know of 3 students at the school I have worked at, who have died while operating an ATV. I think you will find the statistics of operating an ATV to be very concerning. Motorcycle statistics are just as concerning as ATV’s. First let’s see what those statistics reveal about ATV use.

ATV Facts and Risks ATV stands for All-Terrain Vehicle ATV’s are not toys ATV’s weigh up to 700 pounds ATV’s can easily flip or roll over 649 ATV deaths in the US (2009) 11,000 deaths since 1982-2012 115,000 injuries just in 2010 ATV stands for All-Terrain Vehicle. ATVs are not toys! They are powerful and potentially dangerous vehicles. ATVs can travel at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour and can weigh in excess of 700 pounds. ATVs can easily roll and tip over. Many times, the weight of the vehicle falling on the user when it flips over is what kills or injures them. Their unpredictable nature in off-road conditions makes training and proper use essential. You do not need a license to ride an ATV, but some states require you to have one if you use a public road. In 2009, there were 649 ATV deaths in the US. There have been 11,000 deaths since 1982-2012 and 115,000 injuries since 2010!

ATV Safety Tips Take a safety training course like the one found here: https://online.svia.org/training/Enroll/EnrollIntro. Wear a helmet, and proper clothing Be 16 years or older when riding an adult ATV One person on an ATV only Stay off paved roads and unfamiliar territory No alcohol or drugs when operating an ATV. Be aware of your speed in risky situations. The best recommendation we can give you is to take a safety training course before you operate an ATV. Learning to drive an ATV can be challenging. Many deaths and injuries occur when an inexperienced driver loses control of an ATV, is thrown from an ATV, overturns the vehicle, or collides with a fixed object or a motor vehicle. Good ATV training teaches new drivers how to handle multiple off-road riding situations. Here is link to some ATV courses you can take https://online.svia.org/training/Enroll/EnrollIntro.aspx before you begin to ride. Many ATV injuries are head injuries. Wearing a helmet may reduce the severity of these injuries. Select a motorcycle or other motorized sports helmet and make sure the helmet is certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) The majority of ATVs are designed to carry only one person--follow this rule! ATVs are designed for interactive riding – drivers must be able to shift their weight freely in all directions, depending on the situation and terrain. Interactive riding is critical to maintaining safe control of an ATV especially on varying terrain. Passengers can make it difficult for drivers to control the ATV. Of course there should be no alcohol or drugs involved when operating an ATV. Also if you are in unfamiliar territory, slow down. Speed can kill you!

Motorcycle Facts and Risks A motorcycle is a two or three- wheel powered vehicle designed for on-road, off-road use, or a combination of both. Almost 5000 people die on Motorcycles every year. 20-24 year olds had the highest percentage of deaths Estimated 171,450 motorcycle related injuries are treated every year. More than half of all nonfatal injuries treated were to the leg/foot (30%) or head/neck (22%) A motorcycle is a two or three-wheel powered vehicle designed for on-road, off-road use, or a combination of both. Motorcycles have become a popular trend with people on the highway. The more people that have them, the more accidents occur. Almost 5000 people die on motorcycles every year. The thing about motorcycles is that if you have an accident, there is nothing there to protect you. Many times the user is thrown off the bike and many types of injuries and even death can occur. 20-24 year olds have the highest percentage of deaths. You can see by the chart that head/neck and leg injuries make up the biggest part of the injury diagram. There are an estimated 171,450 motorcycle related injuries treated every year. There is good news in the fact that many of these statistics can be avoided by being safe. Let's head to the next slide and see what motorcycle users can do to prevent some of these injuries.

Motorcycle Safety Tips Wear proper safety equipment Don’t go so fast Be seen Be a defensive driver Leave a 4 second space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Road Rage can kill you No drugs or alcohol when operating a motorcycle and never ride with someone who has been Let's read through the list of safety tips together. Wear proper safety equipment. You should wear a helmet, eye protection, face protection, gloves, proper footwear, etc. when riding. Don't go so fast!! Be seen. Motorcycle riders are at a greater risk of accident and injury that automobile drivers due to being less visible and having no protection from impact. Be a defensive driver. Defensive driving- driving in a way to consciously reduce the dangers of driving (Example: anticipate hazards on the road) The minimum amount of space you should allow between you and the vehicle in front of you is 4 seconds. Road rage is actions by a driver who is angry with another driver that can result in injury. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs while operating a motorcycle. Never ride with someone who has been drinking or doing drugs.

Resources http://www.atvsafety.gov/beforego.html http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia12/os/atv2010.pdf http://www.bts.gov/publications/special_reports_and_is sue_briefs/special_report/2009_05_14/html/entire.html http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsMotorcycleSafety/ https://online.svia.org/training/Enroll/EnrollIntro.aspx We have completed the lesson on ATV and Motorcycle safety. You can save your life and someone’s life by passing on these facts to others. Know your vehicle and drive safe no matter what motorized vehicle you enjoy using.