Kids and Quads - Not Always a Good Combination

ATVs have grown in popularity at a level nevermoment. The outcome of this video clip was so
imagined by their original designers. The often usedpredictable it wasn't even funny. They apparently
nickname of quad has been attached to the fourtaught the kid to start but he didn't seem to learn to
wheeled variety of ATV. The quad can be manystop. Naturally, he accelerated into a wooden fence
things to many people. A four wheel drive quad canand impacted forcefully. He was wearing a helmet
be a work-horse, snow plow, earth-mover, etc. Aand didn't appear to be injured in any way. The
two wheel drive quad can be a traditional trail rideraudience responded with laughter and applause. The
for exploring the wilderness. A sport quad can beclip could be viewed as funny, but realistically this kid
used for organized quad racing or anything-goes fun.shouldn't have been on this quad at his age, at least
How about a quad sized just right for kids? What isnot in such closed quarters as was the case in this
its purpose? A kid's quad can be an introduction toback yard.
the exciting sport of ATVs. It can be a parent'sOne can only imagine how many times this same
desire to live out their own childhood fantasy ifsituation occurs when the camera isn't rolling.
maybe they weren't fortunate enough to own anUnnecessary injuries resulting from a parent's decision
ATV. It can also be the fulfillment of a kid's relentlessto purchase a kid sized quad for a child not ready to
requests for his or her own quad. Parents shouldride. Children develop at different rates and most of
always take a step back and analyze the situationthese accidents are not even the child's fault. Sizing
objectively before purchasing a quad for a child understandards are put in place by quad manufacturers
the age of sixteen. Every situation is different andThey are recommendations and not golden rules. If a
every child is different.child is not ready to ride the quad that was designed
On a past episode of one of those funniest homefor his or her age group, then it is a parent's
video television programs, there was a clip of a child,responsibility to delay the introduction to quad riding
probably a three years old, happily seated on his 50ccuntil the child has developed enough to understand
quad. One parent holding the video camera and thethe consequences that can come with riding ATVs.
other parent ready to let go of the ATV at any