One of the joys of summer includes going out on rides in nature, either on bikes, motorcycles, cars, or in the case of some minors – ATVs. Operating these quad bikes may seem safe and loads of fun, but as with any type of vehicle, it brings its own set of risks, and requires specific skills and precautionary measures.
(Photo Courtesy of ATVsafety.gov)
The state of Massachusetts currently allows minors from 10 years old and more to operate all-terrain vehicles, though a recent surge in ATV-related trips to the emergency room by children as young as 6 may suggest that stricter laws may be needed, and some lawmakers have even suggested that the minimum age for operating an ATV should be moved from 10 to 14.
In fact, the changes in the minimum ATV age are already in the making. The state Senate has already approved raising the age to 14, while the House is expected to vote on it today.
The Boston Herald reported that according to State Rep. Peter J. Koutoujian, raising the minimum ATV age may decrease the number of child injuries by 70% if kids younger than 14 are banned from operating ATVs.
Serious injuries related to ATV crashes that were reported in May 2010 alone, include brain injuries, near drowning, and various other injuries sustained from being thrown off an ATV in a crash, Boston Herald reports.
A pediatric trauma surgeon at Mass. General Hospital, Dr. Peter Masiakos, says that since 1982, 19 kids under the age of 16 have been killed in ATV-related accidents. He also noted that in one year alone, 2004-2005, 900 children under age 16 suffered ATV-related injuries and 35 more had moderate to severe brain trauma requiring intensive care and rehabilitation.
Statistics on the ATV Safety website shows that about one third of all ATV-related deaths and injuries involve children.
Currently, no license is required to operate an ATV.
