All-terrain Vehicle Safety Research Articles

Limitations in the field of vision of young operators of utility all-terrain vehicles

Problem: All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) cause a distressing number of fatalities and injuries among farm youth in the United States. The number of severe injuries caused by ATV crashes on farms, which stood at 25 children in 2019, is expected to rise due to increased ATV sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing research into children's injuries has explored physical capabilities like anthropometry, strength, and visual acuity. Yet, studies assessing youths' physical ability to operate ATVs remain limited. This study tests the hypothesis that diminished vision field in young ATV operators raises crash risks. Methods: This study used SAMMIECAD digital human modeling system to simulate and compare the field of vision of youth and adult ATV operators. The simulations incorporated 3-D mockups of ATVs, humans, sprayer tanks, windshields, and obstacles. Ten utility ATVs and children of both genders across nine ages (8–16) and three height percentiles (5th, 50th, 95th) were evaluated. Results: Simulations showed that young ATV operators generally have a more restricted field of vision than adults, particularly those aged 6–11 years. Discussion: Visual limitations hinder riders' ability to see ATV controls, potentially leading to vehicle control loss. Moreover, they impair environmental perception during riding, compromising youths' ATV operation abilities and increasing crash risks. Practical Applications: These findings offer crucial data in support of modifying ATV safety guidelines. Additionally, they can guide youth occupational health professionals in preventing ATV-related incidents in agricultural settings.

Perspective: Emphasizing Safe Engineering Design Features of Quad Bikes in Agricultural Safety Programs

Highlights Previous quad bike educational interventions focused solely on operator behavior, leading to positive shifts in ‘safety knowledge’ but very little change in actual rider behavior. Discussions in a recent virtual ATV Safety Symposium hosted by the University of California-Davis (2022) emphasized building agricultural community awareness of quad bike engineering controls—particularly in the U.S. and other nations. Outreach specialists in agriculture should begin to prioritize more discussion of quad bike engineering controls in training programs. Abstract. To date, most quad bike educational programs have featured an operator-focused approach, focusing on adherence to administrative controls, personal responsibility, and personal protective equipment. Though these programs lead to shifts in ‘safety knowledge’, they result in very little change in actual rider behavior. In this perspectives article, we highlight discussions from a recent ATV Safety Symposium and USDA-NIFA review of agricultural ATV safety in the U.S. that highlight the dire need for building agricultural community awareness of quad bike engineering controls such as CPDs, wider and more stable frame designs, and others. Although CPDs were introduced 15 years ago, we continue to observe low awareness of this and other important quad bike safety features among young adults in agriculture. We believe that it will be critical to apply some of the recommendations outlined in this article to improve future outreach programs focused on quad bike safety for agricultural occupational use. If rural, agricultural communities learn to accept and respect these life-saving technologies, future standards, policies, and legislative actions are more likely to be well-received. Keywords: Agriculture, All-terrain vehicle (ATV), Crush-protection device (CPD), Engineering, Operator, Outreach, Quad bike, Safety.

All-terrain vehicle exposure and the association of certified training on adolescent safety behaviors and crash experiences

BackgroundCertified training courses in all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operation are recommended, but little has been published regarding how they affect riding behaviors. Our objectives were to determine adolescents’ ATV riding exposures, crashes and injuries, and the association of completing certified ATV training on riding behaviors.MethodsRespondents completed an anonymous paper survey at 30 school districts approximately one year after participating in the Safety Tips for ATV Riders (STARs) program. Survey data were compiled using Qualtrics™. Frequency, chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression analyses were performed using SAS, V.9.4.Results4,891 students completed the survey from Fall 2012–Fall 2019. Respondents were 10–18 years old, and similar numbers of participants were male and female. Fifty-nine percent lived in town, 18% on a farm, and 22% in the country but not on farm. Forty-two percent reported their families owned an ATV. Seventy-seven percent had ridden an ATV, 40% of whom reported riding at least weekly. The vast majority (94%) used ATVs for recreation and 49% used them for work purposes. In the previous year, 22% of riders reported having been in a crash, with 7% of crash victims requiring medical attention for injuries. Greater crash likelihood was seen in males, recreational riders, more frequent riders, competitive racers and those who had ridden with passengers or on roads. Only 8% of riders had completed certified ATV safety training (note, STARs is not a certification program). Those whose families owned ATVs, more frequent riders, and public park users had greater likelihoods of course completion. Relative to their peers, respondents who completed a certification course had higher proportions that always/almost always wore helmets (39% vs. 20%, p < 0.0001) and lower proportions that never/almost never wore helmets (29% vs 58%, p < 0.0001), had ridden with passengers (63% vs. 96%, p < 0.0001), and had driven on public roads (41% vs 50%, p = 0.0065).ConclusionsATV safety training certification among Iowa adolescents in the study was infrequent but those that received training reported higher helmet use, less riding with passengers, and less driving on public roads. These data suggest completing safety training certification may promote safer riding behaviors among youth.

Ability of youth operators to reach agricultural all-terrain vehicles controls

Problem: Utility All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are one major cause of youth injuries and fatalities on farms. Utility ATVs have heavy weights and fast speeds that require complex maneuvering. Youth’s physical capabilities may not be sufficient to perform those complex maneuvers correctly. Therefore, it is hypothesized that most youth engage in ATV-related incidents because they ride vehicles unfit for them. There is a need to assess ATV-youth fit based on youth anthropometry. Method: This study focused on evaluating potential inconsistencies between the operational requirements of utility ATVs and the anthropometric measures of youth through virtual simulations. Virtual simulations were performed to assess 11 youth-ATV fit guidelines proposed by several ATV safety advocacy organizations (National 4-H council, CPSC, IPCH, and FReSH). In total, 17 utility ATVs along with male-and-female-youth of nine ages (8 to 16 years old) and three height percentiles (5th, 50th, and 95th) were evaluated. Results: The results demonstrated a physical mismatch between ATVs’ operational requirements and youth’s anthropometry. For example, male-youth aged 16 of the 95th height percentile failed to pass at least 1 out of the 11 fit guidelines for 35 % of all vehicles evaluated. The results were even more concerning for females. Female youth 10 years old and younger (from all height percentiles) failed to pass at least one fit guideline for all ATVs evaluated. Discussion: Youth are not recommended to ride utility ATVs. Practical Applications: This study provides quantitative and systematic evidence to modify current ATV safety guidelines. Furthermore, youth occupational health professionals could use the present findings to prevent ATV-related incidents in agricultural settings.

Trauma Surgeon-Led and Funded Injury Prevention Program Decreases Number of All-Terrain Vehicle-Related Admissions.

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) laws regarding helmet use, alcohol involvement, and roadway riding are poorly enforced or largely ignored. We hypothesized that direct surgeon funding and leadership in injury prevention would decrease ATV crashes. To focus prevention efforts, we reviewed a rural level 1 trauma center 11-year experience with ATV crashes comparing helmeted and unhelmeted rider outcomes. For the latter 6years of the study period, a trauma surgeon sponsored an injury prevention fund promoting ATV safety using simulators and discussions for area high school students. Helmet use, alcohol avoidance, and safe ATV operating were emphasized. A trauma registry review of ATV admissions from 2009 through 2020 examined demographics, helmet use, and clinical outcomes using chi-square, t-test, and regression analysis. Unhelmeted ATV riders suffered more severe head and neck injuries (OR 19, CI 1.5-1.8, P < .001), worse overall Injury Severity Score (ISS), (OR 25, CI 12.1-14.2, P < .001), and higher mortality rates (OR 4.0, CI .02-.05, P < .001). Helmet use corresponded with an average decrease in AIS and increase in GCS status. Although only 15% of riders were helmeted, ATV crash admissions have decreased in the last 5years (P < .001). All-terrain vehicle trauma and mortality is still frequent, especially in unhelmeted riders. The recent decrease in area ATV crashes is encouraging. Trauma surgeons have an opportunity to make a difference in public awareness and education through comprehensive physician-funded and directed injury prevention and research efforts.

397 All-Terrain Vehicle Exposure and the Effect of Training Course Certification on Adolescent Safety Behaviors and Crash Experiences

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) training certification courses are recommended for adolescents who will ride ATVs, but there is little data regarding how it effects subsequent safe riding behaviors. Our study objectives were to determine adolescents’ exposure to ATVs and their crash and injury experiences, and to determine factors associated with having completed an ATV safety training course and its impact on riding behaviors.

The dark side of nighttime all-terrain vehicle use

BackgroundDriving at night is considered a risk factor for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes and injuries but few studies have addressed this issue. Our objective was to compare daytime and nighttime ATV crashes to better understand the potential risk factors associated with riding at night.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on Iowa ATV-related crashes and injuries from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2019 using four statewide datasets: the Iowa Department of Transportation (2002–2019), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (2002–2019), the Iowa State Trauma Registry (2002–2018) and Iowa newspaper clippings (2009–2019). A standardized coding system was developed, and matching records were identified using Link Plus®. Descriptive (frequencies) and bivariate (chi-square, Fisher's exact test) analyses were performed using VassarStats (Statistical Computation Website).ResultsAmong crash victims where light conditions were documented (2125/3752, 57%), about one-quarter (485/2125, 23%) were injured at night. Nighttime crash victims were less likely youth (14% vs. 30%, p < 0.0001), less likely to be wearing helmets (11% vs. 18%, p = 0.003), and less frequently involved in motor vehicle crashes (7% vs. 14%, p < 0.0001) as compared to daytime victims. Nighttime victims were also more likely to be passengers (22% vs. 15%, p = 0.002), to test positive for alcohol (44% vs. 13% in adults, p < 0.0001), and to be injured on a roadway (53% vs. 45%, p = 0.007) and on weekends (76% vs. 63%, p < 0.0001). Numerous differences between daytime and nighttime characteristics were observed for males, females, and adults, whereas most characteristics were similar for youth. The severity of injuries and proportion of fatalities were similar among daytime and nighttime crash victims.ConclusionsNighttime crash victims, particularly adults, were characterized by more frequent risky behaviors like carrying passengers, roadway riding, alcohol use, and lack of helmets. Whereas the frequency of risky behaviors among youth was similar for daytime and nighttime crashes, these behaviors put children at potential risk for injury. Multi-factorial, targeted injury prevention strategies are needed, including improved vehicle design, education about the dangers of nighttime operation, and passage and enforcement of ATV safety laws. Particularly relevant to our study are laws that prohibit nighttime riding.

Using a Resident-Led School Outreach Program to Improve Knowledge of All-Terrain Vehicle Safety

During the past decade, all-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related injuries treated in US emergency departments decreased by 33%, down to approximately 100,000 injuries in 2016. In comparison, the number of children evaluated for ATV injuries in the Children's of Alabama emergency department more than doubled between 2006 and 2016, counter to the national trend. The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines state that ATV operators should be at least 16 years old; however, children younger than 16 continue to represent almost one-third of all ATV-related injuries nationwide, and nearly all of the injuries to children in Alabama. Using surveillance data from the Children's of Alabama hospital electronic medical record database, several Alabama counties near Birmingham were identified as having an increased number of children with ATV-related injuries in 2016. The Safety Tips for ATV Riders (STARs) program, developed in Iowa, was provided to middle school students in these counties by pediatric residents. Surveys were anonymously administered to children before and after the program and included information about demographics, knowledge of safe ATV practices, and the likelihood of using the education afterward. In total, 525 students participated in January 2019; their ages ranged from 11 to 15 years and the proportion of males and females was equivalent. More than 50% of the children reported riding ATVs in the last 12 months, and of these riders, 47% reported never wearing a helmet when riding. Initially, only 20% of the overall participants knew ATVs were not intended for passengers, 20% knew the recommended engine size for their age, and 57% knew that Alabama law prohibits riding on public roads. After education, this increased to 91%, 90%, and 89%, respectively. Before the STARs program, only 6% knew all three correct answers, whereas 80% answered all of the questions correctly on the postprogram survey. After the program, 34% reported they were very likely/likely to use this information in the future. The STARs program dramatically improved short-term ATV safety knowledge, and many participants reported they were likely to subsequently use the safe practices presented. School-based programs, such as STARs, may help increase ATV safety awareness and change behaviors in high-risk age groups. This training may be successfully provided by various motivated individuals, including medical residents.

JA:2021-12. How to Increase ATV Safe Riding Behaviors in Youth: FFA Members from across the Country Respond

ABSTRACT Purpose: All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a significant source of rural injuries and deaths. Few studies have examined the best methods to improve adolescent ATV safety practices from the target audience’s perspective. The study’s objective was to explore youth’s thoughts regarding how they might be best reached and persuaded to ride ATVs more safely. Methods: Attendees of three ATV safety workshop sessions at the 2018 National FFA Convention answered provided questions after facilitated discussion. Qualitative analysis of responses was independently performed by three research team members, and differences in coding were resolved through an iterative process. Descriptive and comparative analyses of responses were performed. Results/Findings: 309 FFA members from 62 clubs participated (29 states). Almost all clubs stated that one reason most youth don’t ride ATVs safely is because of personal beliefs (e.g. inconvenient/not as enjoyable to ride safely). Almost three-fourths stated that an unsafe riding behavior young people would be most likely/willing to change was wearing a helmet. The safety behaviors that youth thought their peers would be least willing to change were traveling at lower speeds and not carrying passengers. Over one-half of the clubs stated that one of the best places to reach youth was at schools; the second most frequently mentioned was social media. Safety presenters that clubs felt youth would be most likely to listen to were peers and those just slightly older than the target audience. Other presentation groups frequently mentioned were crash survivors and those whose loved ones had been injured or died in ATV crashes. A variety of celebrities and authority figures were also suggested. Activities thought to be most effective at promoting safe riding were presentations with real-life injury examples including videos that might create a “fear factor,” and hands-on activities. FFA clubs responded that the least effective methods were lengthy, non-interactive presentations and printed materials with lots of facts/statistics. Practical Application: Youth have strong opinions regarding injury prevention information delivery, and what is likely to result in behavioral change. Our study provides important data regarding not only ATV safety information delivery, but other agricultural injury prevention messaging to youth as well.

JA:2021-32. ATV/Quad Safety Findings from Evaluation of the Gear up for Ag™ Program (2018-19)

ABSTRACT Purpose: Recent studies have revealed a 300% increase in work-related all-terrain vehicle (ATV) deaths since the 1980s, with the agricultural sector experiencing 65% of all occupational fatalities. On farms, the majority of those injured and killed while riding ATVs are male, and the age group at highest risk are young adults (ages 16–40). Our Gear Up for Ag Health and Safety Program™ is designed specifically for this age group. The program has been successfully delivered to high school and college agriculture students in the United States, Canada, and abroad. In just over a year, the program has reached more than 2200 individuals using non-traditional methods of education such as interactive demonstrations, Kahoot!© surveys, and motion graphics. Methods: The Gear up For Ag™ program incorporates standardized pre-surveys used to identify potential on-farm hazards, past experiences, and to examine health and safety behaviors. The pre-survey is a guide for cultural and geographic customization of curriculum. In 2018–2019, 70% of students in five countries (n = 1574) completed the survey. Results/Findings: In the first year of the program, pre-survey data have drawn attention to a need for increased attention to ATV/Quad safety among this population. Pre-survey results have demonstrated that almost all respondents regularly use ATVs/Quads. Over half of respondents (56%) have rolled an ATV or Quad, yet only 18% report that they regularly wear helmets. In addition, 78% report allowing extra riders on the vehicle. Practical Application: In the past, traditional ATV/Quad safety education has focused primarily on the use of helmets, personal protective equipment, and not allowing extra riders. However, we have observed that young adults in our program continue to follow administrative safety controls at very low rates. Due to the increasing burden of injuries and economic costs from ATV-related traumas, our unique program sees tremendous value of enhanced focus on promoting awareness of safety engineering designs to lessen the severity of such events. Therefore, future plans involve the creation of an ATV Safety Motion Graphic and in-depth examination of young adults’ awareness, beliefs, and cultural acceptability of several ATV safety design features.

JA:2021-17. Safe Use of ATVs – Development of a Warning System

ABSTRACT Purpose: ATVs (all-terrain vehicle) and other small rollover prone vehicles show high risk of accidents from rollover, which can cause severe injuries and death. According to Swedish data, there were 37 killed per 100,000 vehicles compared to 2 per 100,000 vehicles for ordinary cars. In 70% of the on road accidents and in 60% of the terrain accidents, rollover was the reason. The ATV is prone to rollover, and the driving style influences the vehicle stability. Training, active driving style, and wearing a helmet will increase the possibilities to avoid accidents and severe injury. Except for the use of helmet and other personal equipment for protection, the use of passive rollover protection devices is recommended. The Swedish national strategy for increased ATV safety recommend alcohol interlocks, electronic stability systems, and rollover warning as examples of safety devices for ATVs. The aim of this project was to evaluate if a concept for rollover warning could reduce the number of injuries with ATVs and other small vehicles. The study was carried out in cooperation with professionals using ATVs in their ordinary operations. The overall aim was to analyze and suggest active safety solutions that can reduce the number of injuries with ATVs and other small rollover prone vehicles. Methods: Field studies proceeded in parallel with the development of the prototypes. The field studies included a broad group of users, like farmers, reindeer farmers, forestry work, horse business, and technical maintenance. Results/Findings: The test subjects answered a questionnaire, of which 92% declared previous experience of driving an ATV, and 60% declared some kind of formal education. More than one-third (36%) declared earlier rollover accident or near accident. Of the test subjects, 75% declared that the rollover prototype worked well or very well, and 80% confirmed that the signal was good enough. Some have wished for a gradually increasing auditive signal, as in an ordinary car parking sensor system. Independent of one another, several test drivers have suggested that a warning system should be possible to adjust depending on machine, assignment, and driver competence. Practical Application: A warning system for users of ATV:s could be helpful both for professionals as well as beginners and could as well reduce the number of rollover incidents and serious injuries.

All-Terrain Vehicle Safety.

All-Terrain Vehicle Safety.

Injuries among all-terrain vehicle users: a population-based study

BackgroundThe use of off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and recreational off-highway vehicles has increased in recent years. A higher percentage of patients hospitalised following ATV crashes suffered severe...

The All-Terrain Vehicle Exposure and Crash Experiences of Iowa FFA Members

Purpose: All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) continue to be popular among adolescents and are used by them for both occupational and recreational purposes, especially in rural areas. About 30% of all serious injuries due to ATVs in the state of Iowa are suffered by children <16 years of age. The objective of this study was to better understand the ATV-related exposure and crash experiences of Iowa adolescents. Methods: Attendees of the 2017 Iowa FFA Leadership Conference were surveyed at the Iowa ATV Safety Task Force booth. Data was collected …

A Survey of Safety Recommendations for All-Terrain Vehicle Dealers and Track Owners in Kansas

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are associated with injury, mortality, and healthcare costs. ATV related injuries are less severe when consistent safety practices are followed, however, ATV safety regulations are varied among states. This study sought to survey Kansas ATV dealers and track owners to determine safety promotion practices. A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted of Kansas ATV dealers and tracks. Survey questions included promotion and sale of safety equipment, provision of ATV safety information, and respondent characteristics. Of those contacted, 32% of dealers and 31% of tracks responded to the survey. Most ATV dealers sell safety gear (70% - 100%) and all recommend safety gear to buyers and riders. All ATV tracks reported requiring helmets (100%) but were varied regarding other forms of safety gear. The majority of ATV dealers (77%) recommended safety courses, but only 31% of dealers and 40% of tracks offered courses. Eighty percent of ATV tracks and 52% of dealers felt they had a professional responsibility to educate riders/owners on safety. Safety promotion by ATV dealers in Kansas consistently was recommended, but often limited to the sales of safety gear (helmets and gloves) or the provision of manufacturer provided safety materials. Further, ATV dealers reported rarely offering skills tests or safety courses to buyers. In Kansas, safety promotion at the point of sale or track level could be improved to increase public awareness of ATV safety practices.

All-terrain vehicle serious injuries and death in children and youth: A national survey of Canadian paediatricians.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are a leading cause of serious injury in children and youth. Certain Canadian regions have implemented legislation to promote safety, including age restrictions, mandatory training and helmet use. Jurisdictions with more stringent ATV safety legislation have been shown to have reduced injury rates in the short term. To estimate the burden of ATV-related serious injury and death in Canada and to identify Canadian physicians' knowledge of ATV-related legislation, safety and health promotion practices. A one-time survey was distributed to practicing paediatricians and paediatric subspecialists participating in the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) in October 2016. Of 2793 physicians contacted, 904 responded (32.4%). There were 181 reported cases of serious and/or fatal ATV-related injuries, including 6 deaths. Children aged 10 to 14 represented the most number of cases (n=82, 45.3%), followed by 15 to 19 (n=48, 26.5%) and 5 to 9 (n=40, 22.1%). Most cases occurred in July/August (48.3%) and May/June (25.2%), were in males (n=133, 78.2%), and occurred during recreational activity (n=139, 83.2%) or organized racing (n=6, 3.6%). In 99 cases (58.9%), the child was the driver of the ATV. Only two-thirds of respondents (67.5%) knew that ATVs should not carry passengers while under half (42.2%) never discussed ATV safety with their patients. ATV-related injuries and deaths in Canadian children remain a serious public health problem. Education of health care practitioners, including paediatricians, is needed to promote safety. Despite efforts to reduce ATV-related injuries, there remains a significant number of serious injuries and/deaths related to their use.

Prevention of all-terrain vehicle injuries: A systematic review from The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.

Despite increasing usage since their introduction, there exist no evidence-based guidelines on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and injury prevention. While the power and speed of these vehicles has increased over time, advancements in ATV safety have been rare. A priori questions about ATV injury pattern and the effect of helmet and safety equipment use and legislation mandating use were developed. A query of MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase for all-terrain vehicle injury was performed. Letters to the editor, case reports, book chapters, and review articles were excluded. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology was used to perform a systematic review and create recommendations. Twenty-eight studies were included. Helmet use reduced traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, studies examining whether legislation mandating helmet use reduced TBI had mixed results. When ATV safety legislation was enforced, overall injury rates and mortality decreased. However, enforcement varied widely and lack of enforcement led to decreased compliance with legislation and mixed results. There was not enough evidence to determine the effectiveness of non-helmet-protective equipment. Helmet use when riding an ATV reduced the rate of TBI. ATV safety legislation, when enforced, also reduced morbidity and mortality. Compliance with laws is often low, however, possibly due to poor enforcement. We recommend helmet use when riding on an ATV to reduce TBI. We conditionally recommend implementing ATV safety legislation as a means to reduce ATV injuries, noting that enforcement must go hand in hand with enactment to ensure compliance.

Helmets Matter: Kentucky All-Terrain Vehicle Crashes Seen at a Tennessee Trauma Center

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety laws, including helmet use, vary by state and are sporadically enforced. Kentucky state laws require safety helmets only for younger riders. We hypothesized that ATV riders injured in Kentucky and seen at a Tennessee trauma center would more likely be unhelmeted, have more severe head injuries, and have higher mortality rates than those injured in Virginia or Tennessee. A Trauma Registry review of 750 injured ATV riders from June 1, 2005, through June 1, 2015 examined state location of accident, helmet use, markers of injury severity, and outcomes. Multiple logistic regression analysis examined predictors of severe head injuries and death with P < 0.05 significant. Unhelmeted ATV rider status predicted more severe head injuries (relative risk 23.5, P < 0.001) and death (relative risk 4.6, P < 0.001). ATV riders injured in the state of Kentucky were twice as numerous. In addition, they were more likely than ATV riders injured in Tennessee or Virginia to be unhelmeted, to have severe head injuries, and to sustain fatal injuries (all P < 0.001). This single trauma center study lends support for maintaining and enforcing current universal helmet laws for ATV riders of all ages in states where they are in effect and highlights the need to upgrade helmet laws that apply only to some riders.

Engaging Agribusinesses: Feasibility and Cost of an ATV Safety Poster Project

ABSTRACTObjectives: All-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related deaths and injuries continue to be a significant problem. Influential change agents such as agribusinesses could be important partners for improving safety behaviors among rural ATV users. Our objective was to determine how effectively an injury prevention project could engage agribusinesses through the postal service and to assess their willingness to display a safety poster. Methods: One thousand two hundred forty-four agribusinesses received an ATV safety poster and a postcard survey by mail. A randomized sampling of these businesses was surveyed by telephone 4–7 weeks later. Telephone survey questions included whether they recalled receiving the poster, and if so, whether, where and how long the poster was displayed. Results: One hundred six postcards were returned. Of the 192 eligible business persons contacted by telephone, 89% agreed to participate. Approximately one-third of telephone survey participants recalled receiving the poster. Among these, 81% with walk-in customers posted it, and 74% still had it displayed 1 month later. Of participants who did not recall receiving the poster, 83% stated they would have displayed the poster. The cost of displaying each poster in a business was 16.6 cents/day during the first month. Final costs/day would be much less because of continued display. Conclusion: A high percentage of agribusinesses displayed or would have displayed an ATV safety poster, and most displayed it beyond 1 month. Unfortunately, participant recruitment via postal delivery alone was challenging. Nevertheless, mass mailing of injury prevention materials to be displayed in the retail setting may be a low cost method for raising safety awareness.

All-terrain vehicle safety knowledge, riding behaviors and crash experience of Farm Progress Show attendees

IntroductionAlthough all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are very popular in rural areas for both recreation and work purposes, the epidemiology of agricultural ATV use remains largely unknown. MethodsFarm Progress Show attendees in 2012 (Boone, Iowa) and 2013 (Decatur, Illinois) were surveyed about ATVs, including riding behaviors, crash history, and safety knowledge. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed (N=635 surveys). ResultsOver half of those surveyed lived on a farm and more than 90% had ridden on an ATV. Sixty-one percent rode at least once a week and 39% reported riding almost daily. Males and respondents who lived on farms were significantly more likely to be ATV riders. Regarding unsafe behaviors, >80% of ATV users had ridden with a passenger, 66% had ridden on a public road, and nearly one-half never or almost never wore a helmet. Nearly 40% reported having been in a crash. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of adult respondent's data showed males and younger adults were both more likely to report having crashed. In addition, those reporting riding on public roads (but not having ridden with passengers) were nearly five times more likely and respondents who reported both riding on public roads and having ridden with passengers were approximately eight times more likely to have been in a crash as compared to those not reporting these unsafe behaviors. Safety knowledge did not necessarily correspond with safer behaviors; 80% who knew there should be no passengers on an ATV still had ridden with extra riders. ConclusionATV use is prevalent in rural populations and most riders report engaging in unsafe riding behaviors. Practical applicationsThese findings may be used to inform ATV safety education and training programs targeted toward agricultural communities, with the goal of reducing occupational ATV-related deaths and injuries and their substantial economic costs.