Kids and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Summary:

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) sales have grown dramatically in recent years. There are significant risks associated with riding ATVs:

• Head injuries (cause of most ATV-related deaths)

• Head and spinal trauma

• Abdominal injuries

• Abrasions, lacerations, and clavicle and extremity fractures

• Burn injuries from contact with the engine and exhaust system

Safe Kids USA's policy is that until they are fully licensed under state law to operate a motor vehicle, children should not operate or ride as passengers on ATVs of any size, including youth ATVs. ATVs are inherently difficult to operate, and children under 16 do not have the cognitive and physical capabilities to operate these vehicles safely. While ATVs in some cases support a family’s livelihood, the death and injury risks their use poses to children is too great.

Parents and caregivers should note that the majority of ATVs are designed to carry only an operator, with no passengers, and that helmets do not provide sufficient protection in ATV crashes.

A child 16 or older who is licensed to operate motor vehicles and would like to operate an ATV should take a hands-on safety training course and always follow safety guidelines.

• Complete Position Statement (PDF)