Ensure That Kids are Safe When Riding ATVs
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For youth who grow up on a farm, what they lack in urbane culture that they may desire is often made up for by some of the adventurous privileges they have courtesy of country life. For younger teens, being able to ride an ATV – while city kids are still waiting for their car licenses – is often one of those benefits.
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Size is an important consideration when it comes to ATVs. First-time buyers often don’t appreciate just how powerful an ATV can be. That means that, just as you wouldn’t let your son or daughter hop onto a powerful motorcycle that they couldn’t control, you need to make sure that the size of the ATV suits your child’s capabilities. Check the internet for more information on proper sizing for ATV safety. Many provinces have safety associations, like the Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association, that can provide important safety tips on buying an ATV for your child.
According to statistics, males between the ages of 15 and 24 years have the highest rates of any youth for being admitted into the hospital, followed next by boys in the age range of 10 to 14 years. Making safety a priority for your child can help to ensure that they don’t end up being a statistic.
The surest way to guarantee your child’s safety, of course, is to not let them ride an ATV at all. But if that sounds like denying your kids life’s pleasures and experiences, than ensuring that they’re riding the right-sized ATV is the next best step. Recent studies show that almost 90 per cent of youth accidents resulting from ATV crashes occurred when the driver was riding an over-sized, adult ATV. Research the correct size of ATV for your child, and then look into the manufacturers’ recommendations when it comes time to buy the machine.
It is also recommended that children riding ATVs be closely monitored by their parents. Youth have less coordination and strength than adults – not to mention less cautious judgment – and parents should ensure that they are traveling at a reasonable speed and choosing safe routes.
