| ATV's (All Terrain Vehicles) have been given the | | | | eye protection so that their body is protected from |
| reputation of being dangerous, because each year | | | | any hazards that will occur whilst out riding or any |
| more and more adults and children have been | | | | potential accident. |
| seriously injured or killed whilst riding such vehicles. But | | | | Most ATV accidents occur when there is one or |
| just like any other vehicle an ATV can be dangerous | | | | more person on the vehicle and as they have been |
| in much the same way as a car, sports utility vehicle, | | | | specifically designed for use by one person only, by |
| motorcycles or trucks are. Often accidents which | | | | having the weight of two people on the ATV it is likely |
| involve an ATV occur due to them being used | | | | to cause it to turn over. Also being distracted by the |
| improperly or by ignorance on the part of the rider. IN | | | | passenger on the ATV could cause an accident. |
| fact there is no guarantee that you will not be injured | | | | Never ride a ATV on hard surfaces such as concrete |
| whilst riding on an ATV, in much the same way as | | | | or asphalt as they have been specifically designed for |
| there is no guarantee that you will not be injured whilst | | | | off road use only, not only do you have the added |
| in a car; however, there are safety precautions that | | | | hazard of dealing with cars and trucks on a road, but |
| should be taken which will help to minimize this risk. | | | | you will also find the ATV does not perform as well on |
| Firstly, no one under the age of 16 should be allowed | | | | a hard surface and it may in fact be very difficult to |
| to ride a full sized ATV and this recommendation has | | | | control. |
| been put forward by the American Academy of | | | | In fact many accidents that have been reported when |
| Pediatrics and should be read as the law. The reason | | | | some is using an ATV is because of the driver using |
| why children under the age of 16 should not be riding a | | | | the vehicle improperly, this includes such things as riding |
| full size ATV is that they have not developed the | | | | at high speeds, not be able to control the vehicle over |
| necessary skills for operating such machinery and if | | | | dangerous and difficult terrain, or they interact |
| your child is interested in riding an ATV, you will find | | | | dangerously with other individuals or ATV's. Always |
| that many manufacturers have produced ones that | | | | remember that an ATV has been designed to be |
| have less powerful engines. Before you allow your | | | | used on certain terrain at certain speeds and at all |
| child to ride an ATV you must ensure that they are | | | | times speeding should be avoided since this may |
| aware of the correct rules and procedures for | | | | cause the vehicle to tip over or crash. Also avoid |
| operating such vehicles. You will find that there are | | | | carrying out any stunts or tricks whilst on ATV. |
| many training courses available which will teach you | | | | If you are going away from home using your ATV |
| the correct procedures for driving an ATV across the | | | | then ensure that you have some form of |
| country and it is a good idea to enroll on one prior to | | | | communication device with you such as a walkie talkie |
| operating your ATV. | | | | or a mobile phone for calling for help during an |
| At all times a rider should where the correct protective | | | | emergency. |
| gear, which should include helmet, gloves, boots and | | | | |