Are ATV's too Dangerous for Kids?

An ATV is not a toy and is a machine that should befollow safety protocol. If you drive an ATV as well,
respected and taken seriously, or the potential foryou should try to set a good example by always
injury is great. It is true that many ATV injuries occurwearing your safety gear and riding safely.
every year, especially with children. When children doIf your child does not wear safety gear, then an
not wear protective gear, are not supervised, and doATV is too dangerous for them. Many ATV injuries
not ride in a safe manner, the potential for injury isinvolving children are preventable if the child had been
great. However, with the proper precautions thewearing safety gear. Everyone who rides an ATV
chances for injury are greatly reduced.should always wear a helmet, goggles, and gloves.
ATV's are not too dangerous for children, providingThe best way to get your child to wear safety gear
that you and your child take the necessary safetyis to wear it yourself and set a good example.
precautions. If your child does not have the rightDurable pants and a jacket designed for ATV riding
attitude towards ATV's, they do not wear safetyare also a good idea as they can protect from
gear, and are not supervised while riding, then yes,scrapes and abrasions. If you do not intend to
an ATV is too dangerous for them. But, if you planenforce the use of safety gear, then do not get
on teaching your child safe driving practices, haveyour child an ATV as unprotected rides face the
them wear safety gear, and supervise them, an ATVbiggest risk of injury.
can be a safe and enjoyable pastime.While there are many injuries involving kids and
One of the most important things you can do toATV's, with the proper precautions they are not too
keep your child safe on an ATV is to teach themdangerous for kids. As long as kids know the rules of
safety practices and give them the right attitudesafe driving and obey them, they should stay safe. It
about ATV's. If you assume that your child will notis a parent's responsibility to keep their kids safe and
view an ATV as a toy and will drive it responsiblyto always supervise them.
without any instruction, you are probably asking forIf you do not think your child is mature enough to
trouble. Taking an ATV safety course with your childhandle the responsibility of safe driving, wait until
is a great way to tech them safe driving practices,they are older to get them an ATV. Kids should only
and in many places it is required before your child candrive an ATV that is the correct size and should
ride.always be supervised. If kids follow the rules and
Never assume that your child will be responsible rightparents enforce them, ATV riding can be fun and
off the bat, they need to be taught how tosafe.
responsibly drive and supervised to make sure they