Golden Crescent Regional Advisory Council (GCRAC) Injury Prevention Committee presents: Are you prepared? RIDE SMART, RIDE SAFE!

What is an ATV? All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are powerful motorized multiple purpose off-highway vehicles that are used for both work and recreation. These vehicles can weigh up to 800lbs and can reach speeds of 75mph.

Who can operate an ATV? A person must be 16 years old to operate an adult sixe ATV (over 90cc). A person age 14 or 15 can operate an ATV up to and including 90cc, if accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult. A person under 14 years old MUST be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian. Know your laws. An offense of the ATV laws is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $200.

What can happen? The most common injuries associated with ATV crashes are to the head, face, spine, and extremities. Some major injuries associated with ATV crashes are skull fractures, brain injuries, coma, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding and damage and fractured bones. These injuries can make expensive and extensive stays at a hospital or trauma canter. Some people have short term disabilities, some have long term disabilities, and some die!

Who is at risk for injuries from an ATV? Anyone who rides an ATV is at risk for injuries, especially if you are not riding safe. ATV fatalities and injuries have increased over the last decade and are a concern for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which overseas ATV safety, and to others. The highest risk age group is children under the age of 16.

Many ATV crashes involving children occur when they are riding adult-sized ATV. Often these children are: riding without adult supervision, without protective equipment, with more than one person on the ATV and/or without the knowledge of how to correctly operate the ATV. Risk-taking and goofing around while riding is a common cause of ATV-related injuries. Young people represent nearly 40% of all ATV-related injuries and deaths. The American Academy of Pediatrics and The American College of Surgeons both recommend that children under 16 years of age not ride ATVs due to the risk of serious injuries.

Protective Equipment: Many states require riders to wear helmets. CPSC, as well as the ATV Safety Institute, recommends that ATV riders use motorcycle or other motorized sports helmets that are certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and/or the Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell). Other important protective equipment to wear while riding an ATV includes: Over-the-ankle boots – to protect feet and ankles from injury. Goggles – to protect eyes from rocks and dust thrown up by ATVs. Gloves – to protect fingers and hands. Long pants and long-sleeved shirt – to protect skin from rocks, trees, and other debris.

Protective Equipment Long-Sleeve Wool or Thick Material Shirt Glove Liners Sturdy Pants. (If cold you may wear your thermal underwear under the pants) Wool or Thick Cotton Socks Inner Layers

Protective Equipment Full Face Helmet or Open- Face Helmet plus Eye Protection Protective Gloves Protective Suit Over-the-Ankle (off Road) Boots Outer Gear:

ATV Injury Prevention Checklist: Attend an ATV driver’s safety course. Never use a 3-wheeler. They are unsafe and are no longer manufactured. Ride an age appropriate ATV. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no one under the age of 16 years of age ride a full sized ATV. Provide constant supervision when children are operating an ATV. Never carry passengers unless otherwise stated by manufacturer. Do not use ATVs on the streets or at night. Always wear an approved helmet with eye protection. Wear non-skid, closed toes shoes. Wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. NEVER operate an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Be aware and careful of your surrounding environment Ride smart and ride safe!

Did you Know?... According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 816 fatalities occurred in The agency’s most recent annual estimate compared with 534 in 1999, a 53% increase Regarding injuries, an estimated 131,900 people were treated in emergency rooms for ATV-related injuries in % of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned against behavior such as: not wearing a helmet, riding on public roads, carrying a passenger on a single rider ATV, riding the wrong size ATV, youth riding unsupervised, and riding with no formal ATV training. About 1/5 of the deaths and about 1/3 of the injuries involve children. In the State of Texas, you can not ride an ATV on public property until you complete the ATV safety course.

Need more information? Check out these links for more information on ATV Safety: ATV Safety Institue: ATVSafety.org Home Page: Concerned Families for ATV Safety: 4-H ATV Satey Program: ATV Safety– Injury Prevention– Trauma Center– Scott & White: National Safety Council: Tread Lightly: National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council:

Children who became a fatality statistic due to ATVs:

RIDESMART!RIDESMART! RIDESAFE!RIDESAFE!