Riding ATVs can be fun and exciting if it is done safely! All terrain vehicles (4-wheelers) have been getting a bad rap lately due to all the recent accidents happening with children as well as adults, it doesn't have to be that way. AT V's are fun so lets try to keep them that way. Not only are ATVs used for recreation, many use them for hunting and fishing as well as on the farm. Just like all other sports and activities proper safety and protective equipment guidelines must be obeyed.
The first 4-wheeled ATVs were made by Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1984, with other popular manufactures quickly following suit. The popularity of these machines quickly grew. It seemed like everyone wanted one of these wonderful machines! By the mid 1980s ATV makers were selling mass quantities of these machines. As the sales increased so did the ATV related crashes.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission developed a "Consent Decree" with all ATV manufacturers made up of five major themes concerning safety of all riders and their ATVs. The themes were
- Manufacturers would stop making three wheelers as they were deemed easy to roll and much more dangerous than the four wheelers.
- Manufacturers would offer safety training and programs for all new ATV buyers and owners.
- Manufacturers would offer and recommend "adult-size" ATVs for people age 16 and older.
- Manufacturers would label all ATVs with "Warning labels" that read "children under the age of 16 should not drive ATVs".
- Manufacturers would recommend that engine size on the 4-wheelers go along with the age of the operator.
ATVs with an engine size larger than 70cc"s (cubic centimeters) should be used by people 12 years or older. Engines 90cc"s and up should only be operated by 16 year old or older.
If you are not old enough to drive a car, you are not old enough to drive an adult sized ATV!
Children do not have the coordination, perception skills,weight or skills to ride an adult ATV.
ATVs require riding techniques that children do not have or understand.
The Descent Decree was only signed to cover a ten year span, it expired on April 28, 1988. Many manufacturers continued to follow the plan through voluntary action programs, the plans are now not lawfully enforced. So this leaves the public where we are today with the safety rules being optional as far as the law is concerned.
At this time only 27 states have a minimum age requirement for operating ATVs.
Missouri, New Hampshire and Virginia require all ATV drivers to be age 16 or older.
ATVs are very popular and are at an all time selling high. We need to educate people on the riding safety and use of these vehicles. Unsafe riding practices are killing people! Many are killed or badly injured because they do not wear a helmet. A helmet can save lives! Take time to put one on!
Safety should always come first! It isn't safe to let a small child ride on the front or back of the machine with you. Never drink and drive when you are riding your ATV! Always know where you are riding! A Lot of accidents happen because the rider doesn't know where they are riding and often hit barb-wire fences, trees or large ditches or Calvert's. Think safety first! Have fun riding but remember safety should always come first.
Happy riding!
