ATVs are Not Toys!
The boom in all terrain vehicle (ATV) sales as meant many recreational users have one. In fact many weekend users have become quite accustomed to having “fun” on their “quad” for the weekend. ATVs are not toys. Serious injuries can result from improper use of ATVs, but with some preparation and practice, you can safely develop and expand your riding skills.
In February 2003, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reported a 50 per cent increase in hospitalizations due to ATVs over the past five years (from 1,693 in 1996/1997 to 2,535 in 2000/2001). In the category of sports and recreation, ATV-related activities are now the third most common cause of severe injuries next to cycling and snowmobiling. According to CIHI, children between the ages of five and 19 accounted for more than one-third (36 per cent) of all ATV-related injuries. Of the 92 ATV-related severe injury admissions in 2000/2001 where alcohol involvement was recorded, 26 per cent had consumed alcohol. The provinces with the largest increases in ATV-related injuries were New Brunswick (90 per cent) and Alberta (89 per cent).
Serious injury or even death can result from the operation of an ATV.
Why?