The Parent's Guide to ATVs

Handling an all-terrain vehicle is a big responsibility. You may think your child is ready for that responsibility, but before she climbs aboard an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and rides off, there are some safety precautions you should take into consideration.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than one-third of all ATV accidents involve children under the age of sixteen. You need to objectively assess your child's abilities to ensure she's ready to handle the responsibility of an ATV. Body size, weight, strength, coordination and maturity must all be considered.

To help you objectively assess your child's abilities, ask yourself the following questions:
Can your child:

• Ride a bicycle, handle a skateboard or skate easily?
• Read?
• Catch a ball with hands rather than arms?
• Participate in vigorous physical activity without tiring quickly?
• Assemble a puzzle?
• Follow detailed instructions?
• Understand the reason for safety rules?
• Understand that failure to follow the rules can have negative results including injury?

If you answer "no" to more than one of these items, you may want to wait until your child is a bit older before allowing them to operate an ATV.

Once you've determined the child is ready, it's important to choose a vehicle that is appropriate for her. According to CPSC and other child safety organizations, the biggest issue facing the ATV industry is that of children riding vehicles meant for adults that are too big and powerful for them to operate properly.

A rough guideline to follow is:

• children 6 to 12 years of age: 70 cubic centimeters (engine size)
• children 12 to16 years of age: 70 to 90 cc
• children 16 years and older: 90 cc plus

These are only guidelines, so be sure to check that your child has the strength to handle the ATV and is the right size for the vehicle.

When sitting on the ATV, both the child's feet should rest firmly on the footrests. Her hands should wrap around the handlebars while keeping the elbows at a 90 degree angle this will allow the extra reach needed to turn the handlebars. Be sure she is not leaning forward in order to make the reach easier. She should be able to stand on the footrests with a couple of inches clearance between her body and the seat of the vehicle.

It may not be as cool for her to wear the safety gear as she'd like, but insisting on proper gear is a lifesaver for kids. Helmets are most important, according to the 4-H Community ATV Safety Program, the leading cause of ATV injuries and death is head trauma caused by not wearing helmets. Your child should also wear goggles or a helmet visor, long pants, protective shoes or boots and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket.

The helmet should fit snugly and squarely without sliding around when the head is moved. The cheek and brow pads should touch her cheeks and temples. To test the helmet, fasten the chinstraps and try moving the helmet with your hands to ensure it fits tightly enough. When the helmet is removed, there shouldn't be red marks, which would indicate the fit is too tight and may be uncomfortable for the rider.

Taking a class is a good idea for riders of all ages and levels of experience. The ATV Safety Institute offers hands-on classes across the nation. This class is usually free with the purchase of a new ATV. In the class, students learn about the mechanics of the machine, proper riding position and technique, and how to ride courteously and protect the environment.

If you don't have access to a class, be sure to thoroughly go through the owner's manual with the child so she can learn the mechanics of the machine and the manufacturer recommendations. Then find a safe place to practice turning, stopping, accelerating and crossing rough terrain. If you have your own ATV you can help by demonstrating the right moves. Always stress safety as a number-one priority.

We don't want to think about our children getting into an emergency situation with their vehicle, but teaching them circumstances to avoid and recovery techniques can save their lives.

ATVs are safer when operated correctly by a person able to handle the responsibility. Your child will have more fun if she is educated and safe, and you'll feel better knowing she is fully prepared for anything she may encounter.