All-terrain Vehicle Use Research Articles

All-terrain vehicle injury patterns: are current regulations effective?

Purpose All-terrain vehicle (ATV)–related injuries continued to increase in recent years. We aimed to analyze the ATV injury patterns at our institution to help structure public awareness campaign and encourage governmental regulation, with the ultimate goal of injury prevention. Methods A retrospective review of all ATV-related admissions at a pediatric trauma center was performed. Results From 2001 to 2004, 50 ATV-related injuries requiring hospital admission were identified. The annual incidence had increased 2.5-fold from 2001 (8 admissions) to 2004 (20 admissions). The ages ranged from 3 to 17 years (median, 13 years), with equal sex distribution. Fifty-four percent of admissions were traumatic brain injuries, 28% had orthopedic injuries, 14% with facial fractures, and 4% with abdominal injuries. Average length of stay was 6 days (range, 1-47 days); 5 of the 7 intensive care unit admissions occurred in 2004. Eighty-four percent of patients did not wear helmet (97% among those from northern communities). Conclusions Both the incidence and severity of ATV-related injuries are increasing in a regional pediatric trauma center. There is a lack of regulation enforcement and public awareness of the danger of ATV use in children. Efforts to ensure helmet use and limit operator age are urgently needed to reduce childhood ATV-related injuries.

All-terrain Vehicles and Children: History, Injury Burden, and Prevention Strategies

Among the pediatric patient population, injuries and deaths resulting from all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use are becoming a major concern. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief history of ATV use and regulation, describe the injury burden on pediatric patients, and suggest preventive guidelines for pediatric medical providers.

Clothesline Injury Mechanism Associated With All-terrain Vehicle Use by Children

Clothesline injury to the face and neck is a unique mechanism of injury seen in children and adolescents on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The purpose of this study was to describe this serious and avoidable injury pattern. A search was made of the trauma registry at a major pediatric referral hospital for the years 1998 to 2003 to find cases of clothesline injury associated with ATV use. The data were deidentified and compiled by the research group. The study was deemed exempt by the local institutional review board. Seven cases of neck and/or facial injury were found associated with a child or adolescent on an ATV striking a wire fence or clothesline. All patients were white, including 5 boys and 2 girls. The mean age was 8 years (range, 2-14 years). In most cases (5/7), the child was driving across a field when the wire fence was struck. All patients had significant neck and/or facial lacerations, and 5 of 7 patients were taken to the operating room for wound closure. One patient had functional impairment, and all had lasting disfigurement. The mean initial hospital charges were US22,843 dollars. Clothesline injury to the neck and face associated with ATV use in children and adolescents is a unique and serious injury mechanism. Because all of these injuries in our series occurred in young children or adolescents who were driving or riding on the front of the ATV, it emphasizes the recommendation that children and young adolescents should not ride or drive ATVs.

All-Terrain Vehicle Injuries: Are They Dangerous? A 6-Year Experience at a Level I Trauma Center after Legislative Regulations Expired

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have increased in popularity and sales since 1971. This rise in popularity led to an increase in injuries resulting in voluntary industry rider safety regulations in 1988, which expired without renewal in 1998. Our purpose was twofold, to determine the incidence and severity of ATV injuries in our patient population and what, if any impact the safety regulations had. To further characterize the risk of ATV use, we compared them to a vehicle generally recognized as dangerous, the motorcycle (MC). Our trauma registry was reviewed from January 1998 through August 2004 for ATV or MC injured. Data collected included age, gender, mortality, Injury Severity Score (ISS), helmet use, and injury distribution. These were compared to our data from the decade of regulation. There were 352 MC and 221 ATV patients. ATV injured demonstrated a higher proportion of pediatric and female patients (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively), a decrease in helmet use (8.6% vs 64.7%, P < 0.001), and increased closed head injuries (CHI) (54.2% vs 44.9%, P < 0.05) compared with MC injured. ISS and mortality were similar. The average number of patients from 1988 to 1998 was 6.9/yr compared to 31.6/yr (P < 0.001) during 1998-2004 with equal ISS. Our data show that there has been a dramatic and progressive increase in the number of ATV crashes since expiration of industry regulations. ATVs are as dangerous as MCs based on patient ISS and mortality. There are significantly more children and women injured on ATVs. The lower rate of helmet use in ATVs may account for the significantly greater incidence of CHI. These data mandate the need for injury prevention efforts for ATV riders, in particular children, through increased public awareness and new legislation.

Injuries Associated with All-Terrain Vehicles: A New Epidemic

The use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. In 1987, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a policy on the use of motorized cycles and ATVs by children, recommending prohibition of use in children younger than 16 years and universal helmet use. Nonetheless, children continue to sustain a large number of preventable injuries related to ATV use. In fact, ATV operators under the age of 16 years are more likely than older persons to sustain an injury and require an emergency department visit. Unfortunately, regulations that address limitations for the operation of ATVs vary widely in the United States, particularly regarding their use in the pediatric population.

A Comparison of ATV-Related Behaviors, Exposures, and Injuries Between Farm Youth and Nonfarm Youth

All terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a popular form of transportation and recreation for youth. ATVs are also convenient for farm-related activities. However, the impact of the farming environment on ATV-related injuries is not clear. To determine differences in ATV-related behaviors, exposures, risk factors, and injuries between farm youth and their nonfarm peers. A cross-sectional study design was used. A survey was administered to 652 youths in agricultural education programs throughout the state of Arkansas. A majority (60%) of students have operated ATVs within the past month. Cross tabulations found that farm youth who rode ATVs were more likely to be white and male, to own a 3-wheel ATV, and to ride more often with a single rider. Risk factors for sustaining an ATV-related injury were frequency of use and the number of persons on the ATV. Study findings suggest that ATV use among farm youth does differ from their nonfarm peers. ATV use among all youth is a safety concern in Arkansas because of the behaviors and exposures that the youth cited.

Whole-Body Vibration Exposure and Non-neutral Neck Postures During Occupational Use of All-terrain Vehicles

The purpose of this study was to characterize whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure from various all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) like snowgroomers, snowmobiles and forwarders, and to investigate how frequently the drivers' cervical spine is positioned in a non-neutral rotational position during operation. Field measurements of WBV were measured according to the international standard ISO 2631-1 in 19 ATVs. Simultaneous recordings of frequency and duration of rotational neck movements exceeding 15 degrees were achieved through an observational method, PEOflex. The sum of the vectors of frequency-weighted r.m.s. acceleration varied between 0.5 and 3.5 m s(-2), which meant that for most vehicles they exceeded the action value stated by the European Union (0.5 m s(r.m.s.)(-2)). In general, snowmobiles achieved the highest vibration total value. The dominant vibration direction for the snowmobile was the x-axis but the z-axis also had relatively high vibration dose values and maximal transient vibration values. The z-axis was the dominant vibration direction for the snowgroomer and the y-axis for the forwarder. Frequency and duration of non-neutral rotational neck postures were relatively low for all driver categories. Vibration magnitudes in ATVs are considerably high than the EU's action value and the health guidance caution zones in ISO 2631-1. The dominant vibration direction varies depending on the machine type. Duration and frequency of non-neutral rotational positions do not seem to constitute single ergonomic risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck among professional drivers of ATVs. However, synergistic effects with other factors are conceivable.

All-terrain vehicle injury in children: strategies for prevention

Objective: A variety of educational efforts, policies, and regulations have been adopted to reduce all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injury in children. Despite this, ATV use by children continues and serious injuries...

Yet more pediatric injuries associated with all-terrain vehicles: should kids be using them?

Use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has become a popular recreational activity for all ages, yet children suffer a markedly higher proportion of ATV-related injuries and deaths compared with the adult population. Evidence needs to be developed to direct policy to eliminate unnecessary injuries in this population. A review of children younger than 16 years old admitted to a tertiary pediatric trauma center with ATV-related injuries over 12.5 years was conducted. Data included demographics, mechanisms of injury, use of helmets, and outcomes. Of 92 patients, 79% were male, the mean age was 12.1 years, 16% were under 10 years old, and 10% had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (general population prevalence, 1-4%). Flipping/rolling was the most common mechanism of injury (32%) and was associated with sustaining chest and abdominal injuries (odds ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-12.9) and an increased Injury Severity Score (ISS). Only 4 of 20 patients with head/facial injuries were using helmets compared with 37 of 40 (odds ratio of head injury with helmet use, 0.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.004-0.101). Forty-five patients had more than one body system injured. The mean ISS was 7.0 (range, 1-35), and high scores were associated with sustaining head and/or truncal injuries. Fourteen percent of cases had an ISS greater than or equal to 12 and two patients died. The median length of stay was 3 days; 12% were admitted over 2 weeks. Children continue to sustain a large proportion of preventable and unnecessary injuries caused by ATVs. Although use of protective devices (i.e., helmets) diminishes the extent of injuries, children's smaller size relative to these large machines may contribute to flipping, rolling, and loss of control. Increased risk-taking by those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may also play a role. Efforts are needed to lobby for policies to limit the promotion and restrict the use of ATVs by children.

Commentary Anthropologic Methods, Not Legislation, Should Be Used to Modify Risky ATV Use

Introduced in 1971 for use in outdoor occupations such as farming and construction, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are motorized three- or four-wheeled cycles designed for riding in off-road areas. Despite their occupational intent, ATVs have become extremely popular in the United States as a recreational vehicle for both children and adults alike, with approximately 2.4 million ATVs currently in use (Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention, 2000). In 1988 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the sale of 3-wheeled ATVs and established safety guidelines for the use of 4-wheelers. Despite these safety guidelines, a steady increase in the popularity of 4-wheeled ATVs in recent years has been accompanied by an increase in moderate to severe injuries and deaths, which has many policy makers, researchers, consumer groups, and physician organizations rallying for more stringent ATV laws, including mandatory helmet laws. Laws, however, will not impact ATV behaviors in rural America for two reasons: 1) ATVs are used primarily in rural country settings and out-of-the-way country roads where ATV laws would be difficult to enforce and 2) ATVs have become woven into the routine occupational and recreational lives of rural populations. In lieu of policy, anthropologic methods should be used to elucidate the cultural underpinnings of ATV use in rural areas through which culturally relevant safety education programs could be developed.

All-terrain vehicle rules and regulations: impact on pediatric mortality

Background/purpose: All-terrain vehicles (ATV) use by children leads to severe injury and death. Since the US Consumer Product Safety Commission consent decree expired in 1998, there has been little movement in regulating ATV use for children (<16 yr). The authors hypothesized that states with laws and regulations restricting pediatric ATV use may abrogate excess death compared with states without such restrictions. Methods: Pediatric mortality data reported to the consumer product safety commission from 1982 to 1998 were analyzed as well as state all-terrain vehicle requirements compiled by the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America in August 2001. The authors calculated ATV mortality rate by dividing ATV mortality frequency by 1980–2000 pediatric census results. They compared the top 26 states with the highest ATV mortality rates (TOP) with those of all other states (OTH) in terms of age, ATV type, ATV occupancy, and ATV laws. Chi-square analysis was performed. Results: There were 1,342 ATV pediatric deaths during the 16-year period. The TOP states averaged approximately a 2-fold increase in adjusted ATV mortality rate compared with the national ATV pediatric mortality rate. Ninety-two percent of TOP states have no licensing laws compared with 73% of the OTH states ( P < .07). There is no difference between groups with regard to minimum age requirements and safety certification. Conclusions: Current legal and regulatory standards have low probability of decreasing ATV-related pediatric mortality. States should adopt laws that restrict the use of ATV’s for children less than 16 years of age and potentially prevent excess ATV-related pediatric mortality.

Major injury associated with all-terrain vehicle use in Nova Scotia: a 5-year review

Riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is a popular recreational activity, with approximately 1.5 million users in Canada. Despite legislation aimed at reducing injury rates, ATV-related incidents remain a major cause of trauma and death. This paper reviews the epidemiology of major injury associated with ATV use in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Trauma Registry was used to identify all adults over age 15 who sustained major ATV-related trauma (Injury Severity Score [ISS] >/=12) within a 5-year period. Demographic variables, temporal statistics, alcohol use, helmet use, injury characteristics and injury outcome variables, including ISS, length of stay (LOS), Glasgow Coma Scale score and discharge status were evaluated. Twenty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. Most (92%) were males, and 64% were between 16 and 34 years of age. Most injuries occurred between 1300 hrs and 1900 hrs, 52% occurred on the weekend, and 40% occurred in the spring. The average ISS was 22.1, and injuries to the central nervous system comprised 39% of all major injuries. Alcohol was involved in up to 56% of all incidents, and only 4 patients (16%) were known to be wearing a helmet at the time of injury. Average hospital LOS was 21.6 days. ATV-related incidents are a continuing source of major injury. This paper describes the epidemiology of ATV-related major trauma presenting to the sole tertiary care referral centre in one province. Information gained from this study should be used to influence ATV public education programs.

All-terrain vehicle and bicycle crashes in children: Epidemiology and comparison of injury severity

Background/Purpose: Despite statements by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) against the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) by children under the age of 16 years, nearly half of ATV-related injuries and over 35% of all ATV-related deaths continue to occur in this age group. Because ATV and bicycle crashes have been associated with serious injury in children, the authors compared the demographics, mechanism of injury, injury severity, and outcome of children with ATV- and bicycle-related injuries. Further, the authors sought to identify whether ATV-related injuries elicited changes in risk-taking behavior. Methods: A retrospective, comparative analysis of 109 children admitted for ATV-related injuries and 994 children admitted for bicycle-related injuries to a level 1 pediatric trauma center between January 1991 and June 2000 was performed. A phone survey was conducted to determine self-reported changes in safety behaviors or use patterns after ATV injury. Results: Mean age was 11.1 [plusmn] 3.5 years (range, 2 to 18 years) for ATV crashes versus 9.4 [plusmn] 3.3 years (range, 1 to 17 years) for bicycle crashes ( P [lt ] .05). Ninety-three percent of ATV crashes occurred in children less than 16 years of age; 31% in children [le ]10 years of age; and 7% in children [le ]5 years of age. Male-to-female ratio was about 3:1 for both groups. White race accounted for 97% of ATV injuries compared with 79% of bicycle injuries ( P [lt ] .05). Falls from ATVs or bicycles were the most common mechanism of injury (41% v 59%, respectively). Collisions with motor vehicles were more common for bicyclists (32% v 10%), whereas collisions with stationary objects were more common among ATV riders (27% v 9%). Sixteen percent of ATV crashes were caused by a roll-over mechanism. Mean injury severity score (ISS) were significantly higher for victims of ATV crashes (8.3 ATV v 6.7 bicycle; P [lt ] .05). ATV-related trauma was associated with multiple injuries, more operative interventions, and longer hospital stays. Location and distribution of injuries were similar for both groups. Helmet use was low in both groups but higher for ATV riders (23% v 8%; P [lt ] .5). Mortality rate was similar for both groups (0.9% for ATV riders v 0.7% for bicyclists). There was a 39% response for the phone survey post-ATV injury. Twenty-three of 43 (53%) respondents owned the ATV, and 70% of these received safety information at the time of purchase. However, only 14% of injured riders received any formal training before riding ATVs. Postinjury, 60% of children continued to ride, although 42% reported decreased riding time. Fifty-four percent of children reportedly wore helmets preinjury, and there were no changes in helmet usage postinjury. There were no differences in pre- and postinjury parental supervision (61% v 65%). Conclusions: Both ATV and bicycle-related injuries occur predominantly in boys, but ATV victims are older and almost all are white. Almost all ATV injuries occurred in children under the age of 16 years. Although both ATV and bicycle crashes cause severe injuries in children, injury severity is higher for ATV crashes in terms of multiple injuries, need for operative intervention, and longer length of stay. Despite severe injuries, the majority of children injured by ATVs continue to ride, albeit fewer hours per day, and safety behaviors are unaltered. These data reinforce the current AAP stance that legislation prohibiting the use of ATVs in children under the age of 16 years without a valid driver's license should be pursued and enforced aggressively.

Sand dune management problems and techniques, Spain.

ABSTRACT Extensive Spanish dune areas were totally altered and destroyed in the course of massive tourist urbanization and road construction projects during the 1960's–1970's. Littoral drift interruption by harbour and marinas as well as sand mining for construction and agriculture purposes also contributed to accelerated dune erosion. Furthermore, human trampling, refuse dumping, excessive dune recreational pressure, use of all-terrain vehicles and cropping, are amongst the main causes contributing and accelerating physical and ecological degradation of most Spanish dune systems. Before 1988, Spanish coastal dunes were totally unprotected. The 1988 Spanish Shore Act (“Ley de Costas”) arose with the aim of regulating the coastal activities and preventing littoral destruction. The Spanish Shore Act protects all coastal dunes precludes their destruction by sand mining and any other form of development, . However, this law still does not prevent some of the above negative activities occuring. Furthermore, th...

All-Terrain Vehicles, Bicycles, and Trauma

Even though the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have issued warnings against the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) by children younger than 16, this age group still accounts for half of ATV-related injuries and 35% of related deaths. These researchers compared 109 children with ATV-related injuries and 994 children with bicycle-related injuries who were admitted to …

A population-based assessment of pediatric all-terrain vehicle injuries.

To describe the types of injuries sustained by children who ride all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), to estimate the hospital charges associated with these injuries, and to determine adherence to existing rules and regulations governing ATV use. Analysis of statewide hospital admissions (1992-1996) and emergency department (ED) visits (1996) in Utah. All patients who were younger than 16 years and had an external cause of injury code for ATV use were included. In 1996, 268 ED visits by children involved an ATV. Boys were twice as commonly injured as girls (male:female ratio: 2.1:1), and skin and orthopedic injuries were most frequent. The median ED charge was $368, and ED charges for these patients totaled $138 000. From 1992 to 1996, 130 children were hospitalized as a result of injuries sustained during ATV use, with median charges of $4240 per admission. Male to female ratio was 2.7:1, and the average age was 11.2 +/- 3.6 years. Mean injury severity score was 8.0 +/- 6.0, and median length of stay was 2 days (range: 0-43 days). Orthopedic injuries were most frequent, but 25% (n = 32) of children sustained head or spinal cord injury. Most children (94%) were discharged from the hospital, but 8 children died as a result of their injuries. Utah regulations prohibit children who are younger than 8 years from driving an ATV and advise against carrying passengers on ATVs. However, 25% (n = 15) of all injured children who were younger than 8 were driving the ATV when injured, and 15% (n = 60) of injured children were passengers on ATVs. Four of the 8 fatally injured children were younger than 8, and all were driving the ATV at the time of the crash. Finally, the estimated injury rate per 100 registered ATVs is significantly higher for children than for adults (3.41 vs 1.71). ATV use results in significant injuries to children. Efforts to educate parents regarding the risks of ATV use, proper supervision, and use of safety equipment are warranted. Manufacturers of ATVs should continue to improve the safety profile of these inherently unstable vehicles.

Impact of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on pickleweed (Salicornia virginicaL.) in a San Francisco Bay wetland

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are widely used in a variety of wetland management activities, but their ecological effects on vegetation are poorly known. Two types of ATVs – the ArgoTM, and LightfootTM – were tested in Petaluma Marsh, Sonoma Co., California, to determine their effects on pickleweed ( Salicornia virginica) in terms of: (1) stem-height reductions and stem breakage (as biomass), by simulating light (a path traversed twice) and heavy vehicle use (20 times), and by evaluating damage immediately after manipulation and one year later; and, (2) biomass and growth by using a BACI (before-after-control-impact) design, with two sets of replicated samples collected before a light-use treatment, two sets after treatment (during the same growing season), and one set the following year. Stem height was significantly reduced by both vehicles immediately following use, and was similar for both light and heavy use; biomass of broken stems was significantly higher for the LightfootTM than for the ArgoTM, and with heavy use by both vehicles. One year later, biomass of broken stems was not significantly different in light use treatments with either vehicle, but lower stem height was still visually evident from LightfootTM in heavy use treatments. Post-treatment biomass-growth measurements were significantly lower for both vehicles during the same growing season, but no significant differences were found between either vehicle treatment and controls one year later. However, the LightfootTM treatment had lower productivity. Results indicated that even limited ATV use can cause immediate impact to pickleweed but that limited use with soft-tread vehicles, like the Argo, can recover within a year. Management of pickleweed wetlands should involve vehicles with non-damaging tracks or tire tread and, when possible, walking is preferable to reduce immediate habitat damage.

The characteristics and use patterns of all-terrain vehicle drivers in the United States

The consent decrees between the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the major distributors of all-terrain vehicles (ATV), which were designed to address ATV-related injuries and deaths, expired in April, 1998. While national estimates of nonfatal and fatal injuries involving ATVs declined after the consent decrees went into effect 10 years ago, the injury estimates have stabilized in recent years. To gain a better understanding of current ATV use patterns, the CPSC sponsored a national probability survey of ATV drivers in the fall of 1997. The survey was designed to collect information about the characteristics and use patterns of ATV drivers and to quantify the numbers and types of ATVs in use. It employed a single stage list-assisted random-digit-dial sample design. This article describes the results of the survey, and discusses long term ATV usage trends.

Informing Buyers of Risks: Analysis of the Marketing and Regulation of All Terrain Vehicles

An examination of the marketing practices and the regulation of the all terrain vehicle (ATV) industry during the 1980s is presented. This review includes a content analysis of ATV advertising, an examination of the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) regulation of the ATV industry, a study of the consent decree regulating the marketing of ATVs, and an analysis of the costs and benefits to the ATV industry of providing additional information to consumers. The paper concludes that deaths and injuries from A TV‐related accidents might have been reduced substantially if the CPSC had been more aggressive in informing the public about the safety hazards associated with ATV use. Cost/benefit analysis reveals that the profit‐maximizing strategy for ATV manufacturers was to market ATVs aggressively even when faced with the prospects of lawsuits and regulatory action.

Animal-related Occupational Injuries in Farm Residents

Animal-related injuries are an unusual hazard of farming that have received littlestudy.We studied risk factors for animal-related injury as part of a population-based,case-control study of agricultural injuries. Cases were farm residents living in ageographically defined area of central Wisconsin who had injuries associated withfarm animals from May 1990 to April 1992 which required medical or chiropracticcare. Controls were selected at random from a special census of farm residents in thearea. Telephone interviews regarding demographic characteristics, farming practices,and safety behaviors were completed for 70 of 71 cases (98.6%) and 183 of 221potential controls (82.8%). Based on a multivariable logistic regression model, theonly statistically significant risk factor for animal-related farm injury was thenumber of hours worked per week (3% increased risk per hour). Several farmcharacteristics were linked with animal-related injury, but the associated 95%confidence limits included 1.0: non-resident workers on the farm (OR=2.20; 95%C.I.: 0.93-5.21), use of all-terrain vehicles for chores (OR=0.47; 95% C.I.: 0.22-1.04), and feeding cows in the barn in summer (OR=0.39; 95% C.I.: 0.15-1.00).Future studies of animal-related farm injury should obtain more specific informationon animal husbandry practices.