ATV Safety
Children and adolescents riding on ATVs are at risk of serious injury or even death. Nemours Children’s supports the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement, which strongly recommends that children under the age of 16 not ride ATVs. Children under 16 lack the physical strength, coordination and judgment to drive an ATV safely in all situations. ATV crashes can lead to significant head and neck injuries, abdominal trauma and even loss of life.
- 24 percent of deaths related to ATVs occur in children under 16.
- Children under 16 make up almost one-third of the estimated ATV-related injuries treated in emergency departments each year.
Riding ATVs can be dangerous for children under 16 for a number of reasons:
- ATVs have a high center of gravity, creating a tendency to roll over.
- ATVs can sustain high rates of speed.
- ATVs can weigh up to 850 lbs.
Delaware Has New Regulations for ATV Riders
New Regulations For Kids Riding ATVs
Helmets
- All ATV operators under 18 must wear helmets meeting U.S. Department of Transportation standards
No Passengers
- No ATV drivers under 18 may carry passengers
- No one under 18 can be a passenger on an ATV unless the driver is 18 or older and the ATV is designed for passengers