All-terrain vehicle riding among youth: how do they fair?

PURPOSE: Pediatric all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries have been increasing annually for more than a decade. The objective of this study was to describe the riding behaviors, helmet use, and crash history of young ATV riders. METHODS: A 38 question self-administered survey was distributed to a convenience sample of children at 4 agricultural fairs during 2007. A total of 228 surveys were reviewed. Collected data included demographic information, ATV characteristics, helmet use, driving habits, and crash history. RESULTS: Survey respondents were predominantly male (71%) with an average age of 13.6 +/- 2.0 years. Riding began at a young age (9.2 +/- 3.2 years). Few children reported using age-appropriate sized engines (3% < 90 cm(3)), and 22% of children rode ATVs with engines more than 300 cm(3). Respondents rode primarily for recreation (94%), and more than a third reported riding without a helmet (40%). More than 70% of children reported riding with passengers, 60% without adult supervision, and nearly half (46%) rode after dark. Less than 5% of riders received any formal ATV riding/safety instruction. Of the respondents, 45% reported being involved in an ATV crash. Those children who reported a crash also rode more powerful ATVs, were more often self-taught, and overall reported higher rates of riding with passengers and without supervision, and riding after dark (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Dangerous driving behavior among children who ride ATVs is widespread, and current safety recommendations are largely ignored. Renewed efforts are needed to improve safety programs and create policy measures that prevent pediatric ATV crash-related injuries.

Pediatrician attitudes, knowledge, and practice behavior regarding teen driving safety.

PROBLEM: Each year about 4,000 teens ages 16-19 die on U.S. roads. Injury prevention counseling is recommended as a valuable and cost-effective part of routine health supervision. This study describes pediatrician knowledge and practice regarding teen driving safety. METHODS: A 31-item self-administered survey was mailed to pediatricians. RESULTS: 160 of 392 pediatricians (41%) completed the survey. During a health supervision visit 93% of pediatricians reported discussing seat belt use, 89% impaired driving, 54% teen licensing laws, and 16% parent teen contract. Half reported having a teen in their practice killed in a crash. CONCLUSIONS: A majority surveyed report discussing and counseling teens on first wave teen driver safety issues (seat belts, alcohol use), but most do not discuss graduated driver licensing laws or related issues. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Broadly adopted, this inexpensive counseling approach, could lead to reductions in teen motorvehicle crash injuries.