| "Since its introduction in the 1960s, the ATV has | | | | brakes are working, the tires are filled with the |
| evolved to become not only a very effective farm | | | | proper amount of air and the lights are functioning. |
| tool but also a popular outdoor recreational vehicle. | | | | § Dirt bikes and ATVs were meant to be ridden |
| The thrill the sport brings plus the proliferation of | | | | by just one person at a time, so never let your child |
| stores that sell cheap dirt bikes and ATVs have | | | | have somebody ride with him/her on the same ATV |
| meant that it is now common to see parents buy dirt | | | | or dirt bike. This affects the vehicle's balance and |
| bikes and ATVs for their young kids. | | | | increases the risk of an accident happening. |
| Despite the fact that we regularly see other seven | | | | § Never let them ride on public roads-not only is |
| or eight year olds riding them almost effortlessly, | | | | this illegal in most areas, it is also very, very |
| irresponsible riding of dirt bikes and ATVs could cause | | | | dangerous as well. |
| injuries to your child. In the U.S. for example, a U.S. | | | | § Always ensure that your kids wear all the |
| Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that | | | | proper protective gear like gloves, goggles, boots, |
| 4 out of 10 people rushed to emergency rooms for | | | | jackets and most importantly, helmets. Also, |
| ATV-related injuries are aged 16 and below. | | | | remember that there are safety equipments |
| Fortunately, parents can keep their children free from | | | | designed especially for riding ATVs and dirt bikes and |
| injuries stemming from the use of dirt bikes and | | | | those used by your kids for other activities, most |
| ATVs by simply following simple safety rules. Here | | | | often than not, offer inadequate protection (e.g. the |
| are some of them: | | | | helmets used for bicycling for example, do not offer |
| § Before your child even goes near an ATV or | | | | protection for the face). |
| a dirt bike, be sure to give him or her lessons on how | | | | § Be sure that the size and speed of the ATV |
| to properly and safely handle the machines. When | | | | or dirt bike your kid rides on is appropriate for their |
| teaching them how to ride, be sure that they | | | | age. It is recommended that those age 6-11 ride |
| understand how driving a dirt bike is different from | | | | vehicles under 70cc while those aged 12-15 should |
| riding an ordinary bicycle and that however fun they | | | | ride 70-90 cc engines. |
| are, dirt bikes and ATVs are not toys but machines | | | | § Never let the younger kids ride out alone. |
| to be handles with care. | | | | Always have an adult, riding on another vehicle of |
| § Tell them how laws (e.g. no riding of ATVs on | | | | course, supervise them to ensure their safety. |
| highways) were created for a reason and then | | | | Some question whether buying kids dirt bikes and |
| emphasize how he needs to follow them strictly for | | | | ATVs is a wise idea. Yes, these vehicles are powerful |
| his or her safety. Make sure you familiarize your kids | | | | machines whose misuse could lead to accidents and |
| with all the laws related to riding the vehicles. | | | | injuries, but as long as they are driven responsibly |
| § Always check the condition of your kids' ATV | | | | and precautionary measures are taken, ATVs and |
| or dirt bike before you let him or her ride it. Make | | | | dirt bikes are safe to use. |
| sure that there is enough gas on the tank, the | | | | |