Adult-Sized ATVs Pose Dangers to Children

Nov. 8 -- There are an estimated seven million all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in use nationwide, but safety experts warn that when children take the helm, the 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles are risky and potentially deadly.

Built for speed, and designed with flair and finesse, all-terrain vehicles are also simply loads of fun to ride, enthusiasts say. "I like to fly through the air," said one 11-year-old ATV rider.

But safety groups and public health officials are concerned about the growing number of deaths and injuries being reported in connection with ATVs. And much of their focus is on the youngest riders of ATVs.

Nearly 200 Child Fatalities

ATVs are difficult to operate, can reach speeds of up to 75 mph, and weigh as much as 600 pounds. For a child, a fun ride can quickly turn catastrophic.

Tom and Susan Rabe's 11-year-old son, Kyle, was killed last May in Turner, Ore., when the adult-sized ATV he was riding rolled over on top of him.

"He was my best friend," Tom Rabe said of his son. "We did everything together."

The grieving mother said that he didn't know that the vehicle that his son enjoyed so much could be so dangerous.

"I mean it's our fault that we let Kyle ride, but who would have known, you know?" Susan Rabe said. "They look safe."

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 174 children were killed last year on ATVs, and more than 34,800 were seriously injured. What makes these figures even more alarming is that 95 percent of children who have been hurt, were riding adult size ATVs at the time, just as Kyle Rabe was, the CPSC statistics say.

Safety Labels on Adult Machines

Liz Piper, an ATV industry spokesperson, said that manufacturers are concerned about the deaths and injuries.

"Its certainly not acceptable, that's why we are here talking to you today," Piper said.

ATV manufacturers say they are trying to keep kids off the big machines, with safety items like age-warning labels, brochures and videos. They also offer free training on smaller ATVs that are designed especially for children. The industry's safety position could not be clearer.