• Thirty-six percent of farm youth operate ATVs. Farm youth are more likely to operate an ATV than a tractor.
• Males account for 69% of the estimated 2,246 non-fatal youth ATV-related injuries each year.
• Nearly half of youth ATV related fatalities involve head and neck injuries. Most ATV-releated injuries involve youth not wearing a helmet.
• Almost 90% of children under sixteen that were injured in an ATV incident were riding an adult-sized ATV, vehicles weighing up to 1,000 pounds.
• Less than 4% of injured ATV riders participated in formal safety training.
• ATV operators under the age of sixteen are 4.5 times more likely than older operators to receive injuries requiring emergency room treatment.

1. No Riders
   Most ATVs are one-person vehicles. Extra riders on an ATV are at risk. The extra weight of a rider alters the balance of the machine, interfering with the ability of the driver to safely maneuver.
2. Size Things Up
   Body size and weight impact an ATV driver’s capability to operate the machine safely. All controls should be within comfortable reach of the driver. Along with physical and mental maturity, good judgement is needed to safely drive an ATV.
3. Put It To Use
   Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary for anyone driving an ATV. This includes helmet, boots, gloves, eye protection, plus a long sleeved shirt and pants.
4. Off-Road Use
   ATVs are not intended to be ridden on public roads. High-friction surfaces like concrete or asphalt make it difficult to maneuver the machine. Sharing the road with vehicles like cars and pickups increases the dangers to the driver.
5. Learn the Safe Way
   Training is important before attempting to ride an ATV. The ATV is a powerful machine. An experienced driver, preferably a certified ATV safety instructor, should show you how to operate an ATV safely and responsibly. After learning how to operate an ATV safely, use common sense!
6. Pre-Ride
   A pre-ride ATV inspection is a must. Checking tire pressure and condition, ATV controls, electrical system, fluid levels, and drive shaft can influence the ATV’s performance and your safety.

Note to Parents:

ATVs have become very popular vehicles especially on the farm to make chores easier. They require size, strength, and coordination to operate safely and the results of a mishap can be traumatic. Consider age, size, and ability when determining what, when, and how to teach your youth to use an ATV. Consider the consequences of a child who is too young to know proper operation, too short to reach the footrest, or does not have the required weight to maneuver a machine several times his/her weight before allowing him/her to use the ATV.

The ATV Safety Institute recommends the following vehicle engine sizes for riders:

• Age 6 and older: Under 70cc
• 12 and older: 70cc to 90cc
• 16 and older:Over 90cc

These guidelines will help provide a safe experience for young ATV users.

• Make sure the ATV is the proper size for the operator.
• Train adolescents and/or have them participate in a safety class to learn the proper skills and ensure safe operation. After training, supervise closely.
• Don’t allow extra riders on ATVs.
• Provide properly fitted personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes a helmet to be worn at all times when operating an ATV.
• Encourage respect of the machine. Set guidelines for safe use of ATVs and enforce restrictions when these guidelines are not obeyed.
• Keep ATVs in safe operating condition. Be a role model for safe behavior when using an ATV. Ask yourself if you want your son or daughter to follow your lead.