• Injuries and deaths associated with the use of ATVs have shown an increasing trend in the last several years, both nationally and in Alaska.
• ATV riders under 16 years old accounted for 28% of ATV-related deaths and 35% of ATV-related injuries. 
• ATV operators younger than 16 years are four times more likely to visit an emergency department for an ATV injury.

Children under 16 do not possess the necessary levels of judgement, strength, and coordination to safely maneuver and control these big, powerful machines. They often do not use a helmet, have a passenger riding with them, use an ATV on public roads, and use a machine that is bigger than recommended for their age and weight. All the above increase their risk of injury or death tremendously.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following safety guidelines:

• Children who are not licensed to drive a car should not be allowed to operate ATVs.
• All licensed drivers (even adults) should take additional ATV training.
• Riding double should not be permitted, as injuries frequently occur to passengers.
• All riders should wear eye protection, protective/reflective clothing and helmets approved for ATV riding (not bicycle helmets).
• Parents should never permit the street use of off-road vehicles.
• Nighttime riding should not be allowed.
• If a teenager is driving an ATV, be sure it is the appropriate size for his/her age and weight.
• Drivers of recreational vehicles should not drive after drinking alcohol.
• Parents driving ATVs should set a good example: travel at safe speeds, wear a helmet and always avoid the use of alcohol when driving.

Children under the age of 16 years are at extreme risk when riding an ATV.

FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES IF YOU ALLOW YOUR CHILD UNDER 16 TO RIDE AN ATV:

• Have your child wear a helmet for ATV riding (not bicycle helmets)
• Provide adult supervision
• Review Alaska State laws regarding roadway access/rules with your child 
• Install supervisory controls (i.e., throttle limiters)
• Do not ride ATVs at night
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations (look for safety decals)
• Make sure your child is riding the appropriate size machine

Winter means snow, and snowmachining for many Alaskan families. Unfortunately, injuries from snowmachine riding are common and increasing,  over 12,000 in the U.S. in 2007. About 10% of these injuries occur to children under 15 years of age, with another 25% affecting adolescents and young adults age 16 to 24.

Snowmachines pose special hazards for children, as they can weigh up to 600 pounds, and with some traveling over 90 miles per hour. 

• Most deaths and serious injuries occur as a result of the operator striking fixed objects (trees, fences, etc.) or another vehicle. 
• Drowning from falling through the ice is common in teens and young adults but uncommon in children under age 16. 
• Other injuries have occurred in children being towed behind snowmobiles.
• Children under the age of six do not have the strength or stamina to be ride safely as passengers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following snowmachine safety tips:

• Children younger than 16 should not operate snowmachines.
• Everyone riding a snowmobile should wear a helmet approved for this activity (not bicycle helmets).
• Children younger than age six should not ride as passengers.
• Snowmachiners should travel at safe speeds, especially on unfamiliar or rugged terrain. Avoid traveling on ice if there is uncertainty about the thickness or condition.
• Snowmachines should never carry more than one passenger and should never be used to pull someone on a saucer, tub, snowboard or skis.
• Parents driving snowmachines should set a good example: travel at safe speeds, wear a helmet and always avoid the use of alcohol when driving.