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RIDING
RIGHT
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All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are everywhere in Alabama, and plenty
of teenagers have the chance to ride or drive one. Make sure you
and your teens understand the dangers associated with ATV
accidents and the ways to prevent and protect against them before
they hop onboard.
By Jasmine York
One weekend while at a farm
with a group of friends from church, I decided
to ride a four-wheeler. I took the wheel despite
the fact that I had no experience and only
weighed about 105 pounds; many ATVs weigh
up to 900 pounds. I just had to give it a try
because it looked like so much fun.
I judged my probability of success based
on how well a couple of my other inexperienced friends did while driving the ATV. I
determined that it was simple enough and I
was ready. I strapped on a helmet and obeyed
the counsel of a more experienced rider, who
told me to lean in when I turned. I clung to
his advice probably as tightly as I clung to the
handle bars.
My best friend was anxious to tag along
with me, so she jumped on the back and
wrapped her arms around my waist. We voyaged through the woods, bounced over the
dips in the dirt path, and swiveled around
the curves of nature. We finished the first lap
successfully, so we decided to go again — only
this time little faster. When we cruised along a
curve, my friend and I leaned opposite ways,
consequently flipping the ATV over.
I just remember she let go, and when she let
go, so did I. The ATV flung both of us in the
air. I banged my head on the ground near the
base of a nearby tree. The ATV ran over my
legs, ripped my jeans, and skinned the inside
of my thigh. Thankfully my friend was fine
and was there to help me up. I was able to walk
away, with only a sprained ankle.
Sadly, too many victims don’t walk away
from ATV accidents. Studies in Pediatrics
medical journal indicate that “more than
361,000 children were seriously injured in all-
20
terrain vehicle accidents in the
U.S. from 2001 to 2010.”
Two-thirds of children hospitalized during that time period were between
the ages of 11 and 15 years old. A majority of
injuries involving children were caused by the
ATV rolling over, which suggests to researchers that a rider-vehicle mismatch is behind the
bulk of child-related injuries.
ATVs are not as stable as other vehicles,
and since children under 15 typically don’t
even have their licenses, they lack the physical
and cognitive ability to operate ATVs properly.
Many consumer safety departments warn
against children riding ATVs and suggest that
riders use vehicles that are appropriate for
their age and weight.
Good news has been surfacing as a result
of the recent increase in “rider education,
parental supervision, and state legislation,”
as noted by the ATV Public Safety Institute.
There has been an almost 50 percent decline in
the number of ATV-related deaths and injuries
over the last few years
If riders operate within the limitations of
each ATV and wear the proper protective gear,
they can not only stay safe, but also have fun.
STAYING
SAFE
RIDE ONE ON ONE
In addition to riding ATVs that are age
and weight appropriate, there should
never be more than one rider on a
single-passenger vehicle.
AVOID PAVED ROADS
Never ride ATVs on paved roads since
accidents on them have been linked to
the more severe injuries and deaths.
GEAR UP!
It’s important to wear safety gear since
a lot of ATVs don’t have seatbelts.
Always wear a helmet, and if possible,
get one with a frontal shield or wear
goggles to protect eyes from debris.
FROM A MOM:
Laura Silver’s daughter Ellie was involved in an ATV accident
in September 2011, which resulted in part of her leg having
to be amputated. Laura called it “a freak accident” saying
that Ellie has had plenty of experience riding ATVs prior to
the event, from riding in her dad’s lap when she was younger
to riding on her own. Laura advises other parents to make sure their children
“ride one with seatbelts and doors” in addition to wearing a helmet.
www.potentialmagazine.com