Ride Safely to Prevent All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Injuries and Enjoy the Ride

As the blistering summer days begin to cool, outdoor enthusiasts in Alabama are enjoying hitting the trails in all-terrain vehicles. Unfortunately, ATV incidents cause injuries and deaths each year in both children and adults. It is important that potential riders educate themselves about the risks and safety measures of ATVs before riding them. Dangers include overturning, collisions, and ejection.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, off-highway vehicle deaths average 800 per year, and an estimated 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries occur annually among riders.

In ATV crashes, head trauma and concussions can lead to severe disability as well as death among riders of all ages. In two recent years, the Alabama Department of Public Health Center for Health Statistics recorded deaths of individuals ranging in age from 7 to 80 during ATV use. These severe impacts can cause spinal and orthopedic damage, internal organ damage, and severe burns.

The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Child Death Review System encourage everyone who plans to ride an ATV to respect others, know the laws, and receive ATV safety training. Below is an expanded checklist of safety measures everyone should follow when on an ATV:

• Always wear a well-fitting Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and other protective gear, such as eye protection, over-the-ankle boots, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Stay off paved roads and avoid unfamiliar terrain. Do not operate ATVs on public roads, streets, or highways unless crossing is done safely and permitted by law. ATVs are intended for off-road use and lack the required safety equipment, and ATV tires are meant for loose dirt and can cause a loss of control on paved roads.
• Only ride an ATV that is right for the rider’s age. Statistics show that children under age 16 are twice as likely to be injured while riding an adult ATV than a youth ATV.
• Supervise riders younger than 16. Young riders often use poor judgment and drive recklessly.
• Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV and never ride with more passengers than there are seats.
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This graphic encourages safe ATV use.

Be aware of the potential dangers of ATV use and respect safety rules. Responsible riding helps ensure your safety so you can enjoy your journey.

Scott Harris, M.D., M.P.H.
State Health Officer