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September 29, 2006
CPSC ANNOUNCES PROGRAM TO COMBAT ATV HARM TO CHILDREN
A program emphasizing training of children to ride ATVs “safely” has been launched by CPSC. The agency already has rulemaking underway to influence the sales and operation of ATVs so as to reduce the exposure of children to injuries from ATV rollovers and crashes.
“ATVs are not toys, especially adult ATVs, which can travel at 60 miles per hour and weigh up to 800 pounds. Children should only ride youth model ATVs – there have been too many children killed while driving or riding as a passenger on adult ATVs,” CPSC’s chairman said in announcing the program. She said a highlight of the effort is a new website, www.ATVSafety.gov, which encourages training of children in the use of ATVs.
From 1982 through 2004, there were nearly 6,500 deaths involving ATVs. In 2004 alone, an estimated 136,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for ATV related injuries – many life-altering. In 2003, an estimated 740 people died nationwide in ATV incidents. About 30 percent of all deaths and injuries involve children younger than 16.
CPSC is encouraging all riders to “take knowledge to the extreme” by participating in a training course and following “core rules for safe riding: 1) never allow a child to operate or ride on an adult size ATV, 2) always wear a helmet and protective gear, 3) never ride tandem on a one-person ATV, 4) never ride on paved roads, and 5) never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” It noted that its proposed rulemaking among other things would ban 3-wheeled ATVs, require retailers to offer free training to all ATV purchasers and members of their immediate family; and require retailers to provide a written form to purchasers warning against the use of adult ATVs by children and giving death and injury statistics related to children riding adult ATVs. Public comments on the rule must be filed by October 24. can be e-mailed to: tstevenson@cpsc.gov.
Posted by MVHAP at September 29, 2006 11:54 AM