A Continuing Need for ATV Safety Education in West Virginia

Doug McDonald NREMT-P Associate Degree Forestry Injury Prevention Program Coordinator Instructor for AHA CPR/First Aid, ACLS, BTLS, PALS, PEPP, AMLS, BDLS/ADLS, Hazmat for Healthcare Providers Volunteer WV Hunter Education Instructor Licensed ATV Safety Institute Instructor

Objectives  Importance of ATV Safety -- Personal risk -- Personal risk -- Environmental impact -- Environmental impact  ATV Safety Strategies -- Operating your ATV -- Operating your ATV law law -- Safety video -- Safety video  ATV Safety in the WV Hunter Education Program

ATV Safety All-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) are widely used in a variety of outdoor activities including recreational trail riding, farm and agricultural use, industry (oil and gas) and in competitive riding. Riding safely requires the operator to take responsibility for his or her own riding abilities, the environment and the capabilities of the ATV. ATV users must respect the property owner, the environment, wildlife, and the law. ATV’s are fun to drive, however, they are not toys. These vehicles have a wide range of use and offer many different engine sizes. These vehicles must be driven with respect and caution. Operators should be aware of the risk and hazards of riding an ATV. Many of these hazards can be avoided by using common sense and operating the ATV in accordance with manufactures guidelines. ATV riders, who understand their ATV, know the environment, and the inherent risk of operating ATV’s will likely be safer. A large numbers of crashes are due to poor judgment and decision making.

According to the WVU Center for Rural Emergency Medicine, (CREM) which has been active in the research of ATV-related injuries and deaths, data indicates that ATV-related injuries and deaths are rising nationally as well as in West Virginia. CREM studies show that not wearing a helmet, riding as a passenger, using alcohol, and operating ATVs on paved surfaces are significant risk factors that increase the likelihood of severe injury or death. Using a helmet can save the lives of about 25% of the people who die from head injuries in ATV- related crashes.

Common ATV-related Injuries West Virginia leads the nation with the highest ATV-related per capita death rate. In fact, rates were higher in all age categories for both males and females. Since 2000, West Virginia has averaged 28 ATV- related deaths each year. Many people have become paralyzed or suffer severe injuries as a result of ATV crashes. Common ATV-related injuries include broken arms and legs, head injuries, bruises and cuts. More serious and often fatal injuries include severe head, neck, spinal, chest and abdominal injuries. The proper use of personal safety equipment, proper ATV rider training and common sense riding will lessen your chances of a serious or deadly ATV incident.

A common acronym used as a strategy to help reduce risk is: SIPDE Scan, Search the terrain and environment Identify hazards or problems in your path Predict what may happen and think of the consequences Decide what to do based on riding abilities and capabilities of your ATV Decide what to do based on riding abilities and capabilities of your ATV Execute your decision Execute your decision

Environmental Considerations Environmental Considerations “Tread Lightly” “Tread Lightly” An ATV operator must be aware of the vehicle’s impact on the environment. Tires can damage wet or soft soil, plants and nesting areas. While riding an ATV, remember do not disturb wildlife during nesting and birth periods. Never chase wildlife while operating an ATV. When crossing a stream, cross at a 90 degree angle to avoid crushing fish eggs and to minimize disturbing aquatic life and the streams rock bottom. Do not litter or pollute the land or water. A responsible hunter will treat all property with respect and try to leave the environment better than they found it. Respect the right of the land owner by obtaining permission before riding on another person’s land. If you open a gate, close it behind you. Remember to read your operators manual and follow state laws and municipal ordinances governing ATV use. Remember hunting and using ATV’s on public or private lands are a privilege and they can be revoked for improper use.

TREAD TREAD Travel only where motorized vehicles are permitted. Respect the rights of others. Educate yourself by following the law regulating ATV use and by asking landowners permission before crossing and by asking landowners permission before crossing their land. their land. Avoid streams, lake shores, meadows, muddy roads and trails, steep hillsides, wildlife and livestock. trails, steep hillsides, wildlife and livestock. Driving (operating) responsibly to protect the environment and preserve opportunities to enjoy riding.

ATV Safety Strategies ATV Safety Strategies  Always wear protective helmet and other protective gear.  Never operate an ATV without proper training.  Never carry a passenger, unless ATV is manufacture approved for passenger.  Never use alcohol or drugs when operating an ATV.  Never carry a loaded weapon on the ATV  Never fire a firearm from an ATV, it is illegal.  Avoid riding on public roads or paved surfaces.  Ride only an ATV appropriate for you age and size.  Avoid riding an ATV where you do not feel comfortable.  Children under age 16 should operate an ATV that is appropriate for their age.  Parents and adults should be role models for children.

Recommended ATV Sizes for Different Age Groups ATV Size Minimum Age Under 70ccSix years and older 70 – 90 cc12 years and older Over 90cc 16 years and older

ATV Safety Inspection A safety inspection of the ATV should be completed before each ride. All electrical equipment (lights, safety ignition switch and battery) should be in working condition; if not they should be fixed before riding. The vehicle oil, fuel, tire pressure and brakes should also be checked and repaired if not in proper working condition. Pre-Ride Inspection: TCLOC Tires and Wheels Tires and Wheels Controls and Cables Controls and Cables Lights and Electrical Equipment Lights and Electrical Equipment Oil and Fuel Oil and Fuel Chain, Drive Shaft and Chassis Chain, Drive Shaft and Chassis

Before starting an ATV, follow the mnemonic BONEC BONEC Brakes: Always have the parking brake on. On: Ignition switch in the on position Neutral: Place the transmission in neutral position. Engine: Stop switch must be in the run or start position Choke: If the engine is cold, put the choke in the on position.

When riding an ATV, it is a good idea to take along a first-aid, survival and tool kit. It is best to be prepared for the unpredictable. First Aid and Survival Kit Band aids Map Cold packs Water Gauze Water purification tablets Antiseptic wipes Extra clothes for Signal flare changing weather Cell phoneconditions Compass Tool kit Spare parts such as Spare parts such as Spark plug Duct and electrical tape Spare bulbs Knife Tire repair kit Nuts and bolts Filter Tow strap Mechanical wire Extra oil and fuel

Highlights from the 2004 West Virginia ATV Law  No ATV can be operated on an interstate highway, except by public safety personnel responding to an emergency.  No ATV can be operated on a public road with a center line or with more than two lanes, except for the purpose of crossing the road, street or highway, and then only if crossing is made at an 90 degree angle to the direction of the highway, yields right-of-way to vehicle traffic and both head light and tail lights are illuminated.  The operator is the single passenger, unless the ATV is approved for a second passenger by the manufacture.

 Operator under 18 years of age must have at least a level two intermediate drivers license to carry a passenger.  Riders under 18 must wear an approved appropriate sized helmet.  ATV must have a manufacture-installed or equivalent spark arrester and muffler.  ATV’s may for the sole purpose of getting from one trail, field or area of operation to another, be operated upon the shoulder of any road, street or highway, other than interstate highway, for a distance not to exceed ten miles.  ATV must not exceed the speed of 25 miles per hour.

 As of September 2004, the commissioner of motor vehicles shall offer free ATV rider safety awareness course and shall offer additional courses to meet the needs of the public.  As of January 2005, no person under 18 may operate an ATV without a certificate of a vehicle rider awareness course.  The governing body of a municipality may regulate, by lawfully enacting ordinances, the use of ATV’s upon public streets, roads or avenues within their corporate limits.  These provisions do not apply if the ATV is operated exclusively on lands owned or leased by the ATV owner or on private lands of others with the owner’s permission.  Exemptions to this provision are for ATV’s use for the purpose of, but not limited to, farm use, oil and gas operations, timbering, surveying and public utilities.

 Any parent, legal guardian or person who has actual responsibility for a child under eighteen years old, who allows a child to operate or be a passenger on an ATV without a proper helmet, is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be subject to the following penalties: --First offense: a fine of not less than $50 or more than $100 or not more than ten hours of community service, or both. --Second offense: a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $200 or not more than 20 hours of community service, or both. --Third offense or subsequent offense: a fine of not less than $200 or not more than $500 or not more than 100 hours of community service, or both. --Third offense or subsequent offense: a fine of not less than $200 or not more than $500 or not more than 100 hours of community service, or both.

ATV Safety Video “ Another Tragic Victim ”  Collaboration between CREM, WVUH Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center, ATV Association, local ATV Dealer, and the WVU Radio and TV Services  Dedicated to a local girl: 13-year-old Jessica Adams  Proper ATV rider behavior and personal safety equipment  Over 1,800 distributed

ATV Safety Materials Shared with:  Schools  Community Groups  Summer Youth Camps  Farm and Agricultural Groups  Industry Groups

WV Hunter Education Program  Presented ATV Safety to WV DNR spring of 2004  From September 2004 through February 2005 – students trained -- High target audience -- High target audience -- Includes new ATV Safety module (Chapter 9) -- Includes new ATV Safety module (Chapter 9) -- Both adults and youth 10 years old + -- Both adults and youth 10 years old + -- ATV’s used in hunting and outdoor activities -- ATV’s used in hunting and outdoor activities

Conclusions  ATV use and associated accidents and deaths are increasing.  Importance of ATV Safety Awareness and Rider Safety Training.  Hunter Education Program -- High targeted audience youth 10 + and adults Poor decision making – reason for large number of crashes Proper use of protective equipment, ATV rider training and common sense riding will lessen chances of a serious or deadly ATV incident