ATV Safety on the Farm
The theme for 2010’s National Farm Safety Week is “ATV safety”. Check out this article from Farm Safety 4 Just Kids: The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that: * 3,252 ATV related deaths that have occurred since 1982. * 36%...
ATV Safety on the Farm
The theme for 2010’s National Farm Safety Week is “ATV safety”. Check out this article from Farm Safety 4 Just Kids: The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that: * 3,252 ATV related deaths that have occurred since 1982. * 36%...The theme for 2010’s National Farm Safety Week is “ATV safety”. Check out this article from Farm Safety 4 Just Kids:
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that:
* 3,252 ATV related deaths that have occurred since 1982.
* 36% of ATV deaths were to people less than16 and 16% were under age 12.
* Children riding ATVs too large for their size and skill levels account for almost half of all ATV injuries.
* 14% of ATV operators are under age 16 but the risk of injury for people under 16 is 2.5 times the risk of drivers 16-34.
According to a study by Dr. Fredrick Rivara completed in 1997 of data from 1990-93, ATVs, trailbikes and minibikes account for 8% of all farm-related injuries to 0-19 year olds.
Many ATV-oriented farm chores are given to children, who may operate the ATV in an unsafe manner without proper training and supervision. These may include:
* Driving at excessive speeds
* Taking unnecessary risks
* Accepting riders
* Not wearing required protective equipment
The following suggested practices will help assure safety.
* Drivers should receive sufficient training and supervision.
* Restrict the use of ATVs by children.
* Always wear personal protective equipment when operating an ATV.
* Maintain correct body position and weight distribution during ATV operation.
* Refrain from taking unnecessary risks such as performing stunts, using alcohol or drugs, excessive speeding, and accepting riders.
* ATVs are not to be driven on paved roads.
* Do not operate the ATV under adverse conditions such as inclement weather, insufficient light, hazardous terrain, or an ATV in need of repair.
All-terrain vehicles can be hazardous. These vehicles are used for work and recreation, and are capable of achieving high speeds. Chance of injuries is greater among inexperienced ATV drivers than those who have received training. If young people are using ATVs they must have proper instruction and be able to fully comprehend the machine they are operating. No matter what function the ATV performs, remember that it is only as capable as the operator. ” Source: Farm Safety 4 Just Kids
Do you know of someone who has been affected by an ATV accident? Share your safety tips to prevent others from future injuries.
