All-terrain Vehicle Use Research Articles

Economic impact of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) on local economies: a literature review

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The use of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) has gained considerable attention within the recreation industry. The incorporation of ATVs into tourism and recreational activities has demonstrated substantial economic potential for local economies. However, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding the economic impact of ATV recreation. This paper conducts an extensive review of existing literature from 2004 to 2022, evaluating the economic impact of ATVs on local economies in the United States. The review aims to identify commonalities and disparities among existing economic impact studies and assess whether these studies have included costs associated with ATV-induced environmental, societal, and public health damages in their economic assessments. To this end, there is a scarcity of scientific peer reviewed journal articles that exclusively focus on the economic impact of ATVs. As such, we reviewed a total of seven publications comprising reports. The results of our analysis shed light on similarities and differences in aspects of resident and non-resident ATV spending, type of ATV expenditures, and the approaches used to evaluate economic impact assessment. The findings indicate that existing studies have assessed the economic impact of ATVs solely based on gross expenditures, lacking comprehensive inclusion of the costs associated with ATV damages to the environment, society, and human health. This study advocates for the need for a more comprehensive consideration of both benefits and costs in the economic impact of ATVs to assist ATV business managers, policymakers, and researchers in making informed decisions and planning future programs.</span></p>

E-scooter use continues to rev up fracture diagnoses and hospital admissions compared to other modes of transportation

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increase in popularity of e-scooter usage and a rise in e-scooter related injuries. Recent studies have elucidated trends within e-scooter injuries but there are few epidemiological studies that evaluate injury rates amongst multiple modes of transportation. This study seeks to investigate trends of e-scooter orthopedic fracture injuries compared to other traditional methods of transportation using a national database. MethodsThe National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was queried between 2014 and 2020 for patients who were injured after usage of e-scooters, bicycles, or all-terrain vehicles. Primary analysis included patients with a diagnosis of fracture and utilized univariate/multivariate models to evaluate risk of hospital admission. Secondary analysis included all isolated patients to evaluate the odds of fracture development amongst modes of transportation. ResultsA total of 70,719 patients with injuries associated with e-scooter, bicycle, or all-terrain vehicle use were isolated. 15997 (22.6%) of these patients had a fracture diagnosis. Both e-scooters and all-terrain vehicles reported increased odds of fracture-related injury and direct hospitalization when compared to bicycles. E-scooter users reported a greater odds of both associated fracture (OR 1.25; 95%CI 1.03–1.51; p = 0.024) and hospital admission (OR: 2.01; 95%CI: 1.26–3.21; p = 0.003) in 2020 compared to 2014–2015. DiscussionE-scooter related orthopedic injuries and hospital admissions had the largest incidence rate increase compared to bicycle and all-terrain vehicles between 2014 and 2020. E-scooter fractures were most commonly located in the lower leg in 2014–2017, the wrist in 2018–2019, and the upper trunk in 2020. In comparison, bicycle and all-terrain vehicle fractures was most commonly shoulder and upper trunk within the study period. Further research will help to promote further understanding of the e-scooter health care burden and in prevention of these injuries. Level of evidence3.

Pediatric all-terrain vehicle (ATV) related head injury rates and patterns: A 10-year nationwide analysis

IntroductionThe use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) carries significant risk of permanent injury and death, disproportionately affecting children. These injuries commonly affect the head and are especially severe among children as they are often unhelmeted and more likely than adults to experience rollover injuries. Many studies examining patients with ATV-related injuries are single-center cohort studies, with few focusing specifically on head injuries. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the annual incidence of ATV-related head injuries between 2012 and 2021, classify and compare head injury types, and identify descriptive characteristics of ATV-related head injury victims. MethodsUsing the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database, we queried all head injuries associated with operating or riding an ATV in children under 18 years-old from over 100 emergency departments (EDs). Patient information regarding age, race, sex, location of incident, diagnoses, and sequelae were analyzed. We also collected the estimated number of ATV-related head injuries from all US EDs using the NEISS algorithm provided by the database. ResultsUsing the NEISS algorithm we identified 67,957 (95% CI: 43,608 - 92,305) total pediatric ATV-related head injuries between 2012 and 2021. The annual incidence of ATV-related head injury was similar throughout this study period except for a 20% increase during the COVID-19 pandemic period of 2019–2021 (2019: 6382 injuries, 2020: 6757 injuries, 2021: 7600 injuries). A subset of 1890 cases from approximately 100 EDs were then analyzed. Unspecified closed head injuries were the prevailing type of injury (38%, 900/1890), followed by concussions (27%, 510/1890). More severe injuries included intracranial hemorrhages in 91 children (3.8%, 91/1890). Injuries of all types were predominantly seen in 14–17 year-old's (780/1890, 41%) and in males (64.1%, 1211/1890). In addition, ATV-associated injuries were significantly more common in those coded as white (58.0%, 1096/1890) than any other racial group. ATV-associated accidents among children younger than 9 more commonly occurred at the home compared to accidents involving children older than 9 (57% vs. 32%, p < 0.0001). ConclusionATV-related head injuries cause a significant annual burden among children, with growing incidence in recent years. Further research may wish to explore potential benefits of helmet use and supervision of younger children in possible prevention of these accidents and their associated economic and non-economic costs.

Pediatric Upper Extremity Trauma Secondary to All-terrain Vehicle Use

Pediatric Upper Extremity Trauma Secondary to All-terrain Vehicle Use

Comparative analysis of all-terrain vehicles, motorcycle and automobile-related trauma in a rural border community of the USA

IntroductionThere is widespread use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the USA for both work-related and recreational activities. In this study, we aimed to determine the difference in injury severity, Glasgow...

Impact of All-Terrain Vehicle Accidents on Pediatric Patient Outcomes at an Appalachian Children's Hospital.

IntroductionThe use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has become increasingly popular as an outdoor recreational activity among people living in the United States, particularly in areas such as the southeast. There are significant risks involved with riding ATVs, especially in the pediatric population, due to lack of training and experience. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of pediatric patients involved in ATV-associated accidents.MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of 98 pediatric patients ages 15 years and younger involved in ATV accidents who were admitted to a pediatric hospital between January 2015 and December 2020. Outcomes, including types of injuries sustained, length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, and injury severity score (ISS) were analyzed between age groups (0-5, 6-10, and 11-15).ResultsThe mean hospital stay across all age groups was 1.7 ± 1.9 days, mean ICU stay was 3.8 ± 4.0 days, and mean injury severity score (ISS) was 5.9 ±4.8. The 11-15-year-old age group had a significantly longer hospital stay and higher ISS scores compared to both of the younger age groups (0-5 and 6-10 years old). There was no difference in ICU days between the age groups. Orthopedic injuries were the most common type of injury, occurring in 55% of all patients, followed by head injuries in 29% of patients, and spinal fractures in 2% of patients. The most common orthopedic fracture in the 11-15-year-old group was tibia/fibula, while humerus fractures were the most common type of fracture in the 0-5 and 6-10 year age groups. Orthopedic procedures were required in 35% of all included patients. There was no statistically significant difference in types of injuries and types of fractures sustained between each group. Chest injuries, including pneumothorax, lung contusions, and rib fractures, occurred most often in the older age group 11-15 years (n=65). Those who experienced chest injuries had a higher ISS, although it was not statistically significant (p=0.06) compared to those who did not have chest injuries. There was no difference in hospital or ICU length of stay in patients with chest injuries.ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrate the outcomes of pediatric patients admitted for ATV accidents at a rural Appalachian pediatric hospital and provide an overview of the most common injuries involved in this trauma mechanism. Pediatric patients aged 11-15 years of age involved in ATV accidents are at risk for longer hospital length of stay and higher ISS compared to younger age groups. Additionally, patients ages 11-15 were more susceptible to chest injuries following ATV accidents. The results of this study will be used to develop a standardized trauma protocol for the management of this specific trauma mechanism in the pediatric population based on common injury patterns among each age group.

Socioeconomic factors associated with helmet use in pediatric ATV and dirt bike trauma

ObjectivesRecreational off-road vehicle crashes can produce severe injury and death among children, often from head trauma sustained while riding unhelmeted. Although required for competition, recreational riders commonly forego helmets. This...

Epidemiology and factors associated with all-terrain vehicle accidents in children: A retrospective cross-sectional study of a trauma registry in Saudi Arabia.

Background:All-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents have a substantial impact on the pediatric population in Saudi Arabia; however, few local studies are available. An in-depth study of this issue and adequate implementation of regulations are required to prevent additional casualties. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of ATV injuries in the pediatric population and the outcomes associated with the injuries.Methods:We conducted a retrospective chart review at a Level 1 trauma center in Riyadh. All patients, aged ≤14 years and admitted due to an ATV accident, from 2004 to 2018 were included in this study. Demographic information, hospital course, and injury outcomes were extracted from the King Abdulaziz Medical City trauma registry. Each medical record was reviewed for short-term complications and the mechanism of injury. The primary outcome measure was the type of injury associated with ATV accidents; the secondary outcomes were injury site and mechanism of injury, and the association between the impact of injury and the clinical and demographic variable.Results:In total, 165 patients were involved in ATV accidents and met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 8 ± 4 years, and 79% (131/165) were boys. Over 50% (84/165) of the sample had lower limb injuries. The majority of patients had fracture injuries (37%, 61/165), followed by amputations (30%, 50/165). Of the amputation group, the majority (86%, 43/50) was from 1 to 5 years compared to the no amputation group (P < 0.001). For the amputation group, 67% (33/50) had a limb trapped in the chain of the vehicle as to the mechanism of injury.Conclusion:The majority of patients had lower-extremity injuries, specifically fractured (37%) or amputated (30%) with children from age 1–5 years having a significantly higher proportion of hospital admission compared to the rest of the study population. Despite the existing legislation for ATV use in children, they are not enforced. The finding of this study recommends urgent implementation of these regulations for both ATV retailers and users and promotes public awareness about the severity of such injuries.

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.

All-terrain vehicle use: A value-norm-perception model predicting perceived impact on coastal dunes

Coastal dunes are sensitive to human pressure, even at low use levels. With the increase of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use on dunes and the impacts associated with trampling dune vegetation, ATVs have become a primary concern for land managers charged with coastal protection. To better understand the situation, this article examined the relationships among ATV users’: (a) general value orientations (i.e., mutualism and domination, (b) norms (i.e., Awareness of Consequences, AC, and Ascription of Responsibility, AR), and (c) perceived impacts on coastal sand dunes. The two norms constructs were predicted to mediate the relationship between general value orientations and perceived impacts. Data were obtained from a systematic random sample of ATV users in the three communities in rural Canada (n = 97). Results indicated that mutualism was positively related to AC and AR and domination was negatively related to AC. Domination and AC were related to perceived impacts on coastal sand dunes. None of the other predicted relationships, however, were statistically significant.

Traumatic Spinal Injury Associated with All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Accidents: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis of the Coachella Valley.

ObjectiveThe use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and associated injuries have significantly increased in the last decade. This study aimed to determine the frequency of ATV-associated spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in the Coachella Valley, California, and provide recommendations for data reproducibility in other areas with a similarly substantial level of ATV usage and injuries.MethodsThis retrospective analysis included data obtained through screening the trauma database of a level II trauma center for ATV-related injuries between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2020.ResultsOur data suggest that more than one-third of patients admitted to the trauma center over a 10-year period suffered from spinal injury. Injuries to the spine were further categorized as including the spinal cord (radiographically or clinically) or only including the bony or ligamentous elements of the spine. Injury was more common in men and predominantly located in the thoracic spine. Injuries such as epidural hematoma, vertebral artery, and cord contusion were common, with many patients requiring neurosurgical intervention.ConclusionHighlighting the implicit dangers of ATV accidents on the spine could help identify outcomes and variables predictive of spinal injuries and spinal cord injuries necessary for patient management. Additionally, our study sets the framework by which legislating bodies could replicate the study for proper legislation and recommendations that may help prevent such injuries.

Spatial extent and severity of all‐terrain vehicles use on coastal sand dune vegetation

AbstractQuestionsIncreases in all‐terrain vehicle (ATV) use on dunes raises concerns about an ecosystem vital for coastal protection. We asked: with distance from trails, what are the effects of ATV use on (a) total, native, and non‐native plant species richness and (b) presence and cover of the dune‐stabilising plant Ammophila breviligulata? Specifically, how do (a) and (b) differ (1) between regions with and without ATV use; (2) with deeper ruts and increased distance from the ATV trail; and (3) between pioneer and shrub zones of dunes in each region?LocationMiscou Island and Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick, Canada.MethodsWe assessed ATV effects by conducting field vegetation surveys in a region with (Miscou Island) and without (Kouchibouguac National Park) ATV use. Line transects were used to capture gradients of effects across the dune community via plots evenly placed to measure trail effects (on the trail), close‐edge effects (edge of the trail), and distant‐edge effects (every 5 m up to 25 m away from trail), in pioneer and shrub zones of dunes.ResultsAll‐terrain vehicle rut depth was associated with a decrease in total and native species on the trails and on the edge of trails, and with a slight increase in non‐native species beyond the trail edge. We also found a rut depth threshold of approximately 50 cm, beyond which was an abrupt decline across all species. Where ATV activity occurred, there was also a decrease of A. breviligulata in presence and cover, non‐native species increased in the pioneer zone, and the shrub zone had fewer native species.ConclusionsAll‐terrain vehicle use plays a major role in the vegetation changes observed on coastal dunes. A management plan that recognises the specific effects caused by ATV use on dune vegetation will help preserve dunes, enabling more cost‐effective coastal protection than engineered interventions.

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.

JA:2021-11. Exposure, Crashes, and Deaths Related to the Use of All-Terrain Vehicles for Spraying

ABSTRACT Purpose: All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are valuable assets on farms and ranches, but are associated with a growing proportion of U.S. agricultural work-related deaths and injuries. The objectives of this study were to investigate the experiences of private pesticide applicators in using ATVs for spraying and determine the mechanisms of injury and contributing factors associated with occupational deaths while spraying with ATVs. Methods: Participants of the Iowa 2015–2016 Private Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Course were questioned about their use of ATVs for spraying and their crash experiences on their course evaluation forms. In addition, the Iowa Fatality Assessment & Control Evaluation (FACE) program database was utilized to identify occupational ATV sprayer-related deaths from 1996 to 2014. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results/Findings: A total of 6,344 private pesticide applicators completed the course and evaluation form. Nearly two-thirds (65%) reported having used an ATV for spraying herbicides. Of these, 8% had been in a crash while spraying with an ATV. All occupational ATV-related deaths in the FACE database from 1996 to 2014 (N = 29) were in agriculture. Over two-fifths of the fatalities involved a sprayer, with 10 occurring while spraying with an ATV. Of these ten deaths, eight were male, and one-half were 70 years-of-age and older. All crashes occurred during the day, but many victims were found hours after the event. All fatalities involved a rollover with the individual being pinned under the ATV resulting in compression asphyxia. Eight involved sloped terrain or a ditch, and in the other two the slope of the terrain was not known/recorded. None of the crashes were witnessed or known to involve alcohol. Practical Application: Spraying with ATVs appears to be a major risk factor for ATV-related occupational death. Older applicators may be at greater risk, and spraying on sloped terrain is a major contributing factor. Tanks mounted on the rear rack and the shifting of tank fluid likely cause changes in the center of mass, which are conducive to ATV rollover. Agricultural workers who utilize ATVs for spraying should be targeted for safety education. Courses required for pesticide application may be an important venue to impart this instruction.

Recreation conflict, coping, and satisfaction: Minnesota grouse hunters’ conflicts and coping response related to all-terrain vehicle users, hikers, and other hunters

Studying conflict and coping in recreation is important because some coping strategies may provoke distress, while others may lead to positive emotional changes. Building on applications of the transactional stress coping model to park visitors, anglers, and other recreation participants, we explored how Minnesota grouse hunters responded to interference by all-terrain vehicle (ATV)/off-highway vehicle (OHV) users, deer hunters, other grouse/bird hunters, general other hunters, hikers, and bear hunters. We examined relationships among interference, coping, and satisfaction for grouse hunters, and examined how hunter beliefs about ATV use related to perceptions of conflict with ATV users. Encounters with ATV users, deer hunters, other grouse hunters, and hikers lead to problem- and emotion-focused coping, including displacement, confrontive coping, and psychological distancing. Interpersonal conflict with ATVs was positively related to perceptions of interference from ATV users, while no/limited conflict was negatively related. Conflict and coping had a minimal effect on satisfaction. Management implicationsAlthough reported levels of interference from other user groups was relatively low, grouse hunters reported moderate interference from ATV users and the use of confrontive coping in response to interactions with ATV riders. Confrontive coping has been associated with increased distress, and deserves attention. However, interference from ATV users was low to moderate and most grouse hunters in the study personally use ATVs for recreation, so there is limited need for management to address conflicts between grouse hunters and ATV riders. Nevertheless, zoning for ATV-free grouse hunting could be tested in areas with reported conflicts between hunters and ATV riders.

All-terrain vehicles: Differences in perceptions of impact on coastal dunes among communities in New Brunswick, Canada

The increase of illegal all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use on New Brunswick coasts causes concern for the integrity of sandy beaches and dune systems, essential barriers for coastal protection. Using a randomly distributed self-administered questionnaire, we compared three New Brunswick coastal communities concerning resident's: (a) perceptions of impact on; (b) perceived main threat to; (c) value orientations about; and the (d) acceptability of use and management of ATVs on; coastal dunes. ANOVA identified the mean differences between communities and the Potential for Conflict Index2 identified differences in levels of consensus in these concepts. Data revealed that Miscou Island significantly differed from Pointe-Sapin in perceived impacts of photographed dunes, the main threat to dunes, and in ATV restrictions. These results suggest that perceptions of impact may be context specific. By understanding these communities individually, better communication messages may be designed.Management implications•The baseline results of this study can be used by all-terrain vehicle (ATV) managers in New Brunswick to enhance communication methods by acknowledging the differences and similarities between the communities.•One community may be more aware of the impacts caused to sand dunes by ATVs which may have important implications for public engagement.•Historical and geographic context may be crucial to the community's perceptions of impact and the acceptance of ATV management.

All-terrain vehicle use related fracture rates, patterns, and associations from 2002 to 2015 in the USA

BackgroundSince their introduction to USA markets in the late 20th century, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have been a significant source of trauma. Many paediatric studies have demonstrated the disproportionate rate in which minors are affected by ATV-related trauma, but no studies have been performed on a large sample size spanning all age and geographic ranges. This study is the first to analyze ATV-related fracture rates, patterns, and associated risks across all ages nationwide. Methods & statistical analysisThe National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for ATV-related trauma for the years 2002–2015. The data were analyzed by age, sex, race, alcohol usage, helmet usage, type of injury, fracture location, and disposition from the emergency department (ED). Continuous data were analyzed using the t-test (2 groups) or ANOVA (≥3 groups). Discrete data were analyzed using χ2 tests. SUDAAN 10™ software was used to account for the stratified and weighted nature of the data. Significance was set at p < 0.05. ResultsThere were an estimated 1,862,342 ED visits for ATV-related injuries from 2002 to 2015; 482,501 (25.9%) sustained fractures with a mean age of 27.5 years. Among those with fractures, 75.7% were male, 28.5% resulted in hospital admission, 43.9% occurred at home, and 57.5% were unhelmeted. Anatomically, 51.8% involved the upper extremity, 23.6% involved the lower extremity, 6.4% involved the spine, 8.5% involved the skull/face, and 9.7% involved the ribs/sternum. Alcohol use was most frequently associated with skull (13.2%) and cervical spine (13.0%) fractures. Patients with skull or facial fractures were unhelmeted 88% of the time, and 87% of skull fractures were associated with brain injury. ATV-related fractures peaked in 2007 at 44,283 and trended downward through 2014. ConclusionThis study is the first of its kind to analyze ATV-related trauma over all age groups throughout the entire USA. It can serve as a reference for clinical decision-making and future studies. It also reinforces the need for ATV regulation advocacy, specifically helmet use.

Trends in All-terrain Vehicle Injuries From 2000 to 2015 and the Effect of Targeted Public Safety Campaigns.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) represent a notable portion of orthopaedic injuries presenting to emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. Public awareness campaigns have targeted these injuries, and this study sought to examine the effect of the 2007 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons public safety campaign on ATV use. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was used to obtain national estimates of ATV and dirt bike injuries for the years 2000 to 2015. ED visits resulting from ATV injuries and dirt bike injuries were identified using NEISS product codes (ie, 3285-3287, 3296, and 5036). Patient demographics, injury-related data, and total annual case numbers were estimated. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for comparative analyses as appropriate. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS statistical software v.9.4 (SAS Institute). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 a priori. Beginning in 2000, the incidence of ATV injuries consistently increased over time and peaked in 2007 (54.1/100,000 people). Since 2007, the incidence of ATV injuries has consistently decreased (33.7/100,000 people in 2015). The frequency of ATV injuries differed significantly (P < 0.001) by age group, with children aged 14 to 17 years experiencing the highest incidence of ATV injury (2.8× national average). ATV injuries were also more common in males (2.7× national average; P < 0.001). The most common injuries were contusions and abrasions (25.3%), fractures (24.5%), and lacerations (11.4%). The decreased rate of ATV injury beginning in 2007 did not differ significantly (P = 0.81) from a comparative decrease in dirt bike-related injuries. This study provides the most current data on ATV injuries presenting to EDs in the United States. The rate of ATV-related injuries has steadily decreased since 2007, which corresponds to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons public awareness campaign. However, the reasons for this decrease are likely multifactorial. Children aged 14 to 17 years are at high risk of ATV-related injuries, with orthopaedic injuries accounting for a notable proportion.

Establishing Radiological Screening Levels for Defense-related Uranium Mine (DRUM) Sites on BLM Land Using a Recreational Future-use Scenario.

Thousands of former uranium mining sites in the United States, primarily in the southwestern states of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, are being identified and evaluated to assess their potential for causing public and environmental impacts. The common radiological contaminant of concern that characterizes these sites is naturally occurring uranium ore and associated wastes that may have been left behind postmining. The majority of these sites were abandoned and in general, are referred to as abandoned uranium mines, regardless of the government authority currently managing the land or in some cases, assigned responsibility for the oversight of assessment and remediation. The U.S. Department of Energy has identified over 4,000 defense-related uranium mine sites from which uranium ore was purchased by the U.S. government for nuclear defense programs prior to 1970. U.S. Department of Energy has established a program to inventory and perform environmental screening on defense-related uranium mine sites. The focus of this paper is the approximately 2,400 defense-related uranium mine sites located on federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. This paper presents the results of an analysis to develop radiological screening criteria for U.S. Department of Energy's defense-related uranium mine sites that can be used as input to the overall ranking of these sites for prioritization of additional assessment, reclamation, or remedial actions. For these sites managed by Bureau of Land Management, public access is typically limited to short-term use, primarily for recreational purposes. This is a broad category that can cover a range of possible activities, including camping, hiking, hunting, biking, all-terrain vehicle use, and horseback riding. The radiological screening levels were developed by calculating the radiological dose to future recreational users of defense-related uranium mine sites assuming a future camper spends two weeks per year at the site engaged in recreational activities. Although a number of possible exposure pathways were included in this analysis (inhalation and ingestion of dust and soil, radon and progeny inhalation, and gamma radiation exposure from the soil), it is desirable as a practical matter to determine what gamma exposure rate would ensure that the annual acceptable exposure as determined by the regulatory authority will not be exceeded in the future. Because these sites are generally remote and located in semiarid environments, traditional exposure scenarios often applied in these types of analyses (e.g., subsistent farmers and ranchers), including exposure pathways for the ingestion of locally grown food products and water, were not considered relevant to short-term recreational use.

Age and the risk of All-Terrain Vehicle-related injuries in children and adolescents: a cross sectional study

BackgroundThe study was designed to determine if youth <16 years are at a greater risk of serious injuries related to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use compared to older adolescents and adults.MethodsWe performed cross sectional study of children and adults presenting to pediatric and adult emergency departments between 1990 and 2009 in Canada. The primary exposure variable was age <16 years and the primary outcome measure was moderate to serious injury determined from physician report of type and severity of injury.ResultsAmong 5005 individuals with complete data, 58% were <16 years and 35% were admitted to hospital. The odds of a moderate to serious injury versus minor injury among ATV users <16 years of age was not different compared with those ≥16 years of age (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.84, 1.06). After adjusting for era, helmet use, sex and driver status, youth <16 years were more likely to present with a head injury (aOR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.19–1.77) or fractures (aOR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.43–1.81), compared with those ≥16 years. Male participants (aOR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.06–1.38) and drivers (aOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.12–1.51) were more likely to experience moderate or serious injuries than females and passengers. Helmet use was associated with significant protection from head injuries (aOR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.44–0.78).ConclusionsYouth under 16 years are at an increased risk of head injuries and fractures. For youth and adults presenting to emergency departments with an ATV-related injury, moderate to serious injuries associated with ATV use are more common among drivers and males. Helmet use protected against head injuries, suggesting minimum age limits for ATV use and helmet use are warranted.