happy + healthy
atv safety
More than
100,000
ATV-related traumas
are treated every
year in emergency
departments.
STAYING SAFE OFF-ROAD
We won’t deny it- All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are
fun. You’ve probably taken a ride on an ATV at
some point, or maybe you’ve even driven one.
However, the thrill of the ride comes with major
risks.
Emergency department physicians at Children's
of Alabama have treated more than 230 cases of
ATV-related traumas in the past three years.
Nationally, more than 100,000 ATV-related traumas are treated
every year in emergency departments, and more than one-third
of those cases involve children under the age of 16.
What makes ATVs so dangerous?
In short, they can be very unstable and prone to tip over.
Dr. Kristyn Jeffries is a resident physician at Children's of Ala-
bama. She has personal experience with the dangers of ATVs-
one of her family friends lost their 11-year-old daughter due to
an ATV accident. "That's why I'm so motivated to prevent this
tragedy from happening to other families," she said.
If you are going to ride an ATV, the American Academy of Pedi-
atrics (AAP) has a few extremely important recommendations to
help keep you safe.
ATV Safety Recommendations:
Drivers should be at least 16 years old.
No passengers should ride on an ATV.
A lways wear a helmet, eye protection, and reflective
clothing when riding an ATV.
These recommendations come not only from the AAP, but also
straight from ATV manufacturers. Riding an ATV is never
without risk. Even when the rider takes proper precautions, there
is still the potential for injury. That's why Children's of Alabama
and the Injury Free Coalition for Kids have partnered to educate
children and adults about ATV safety. To schedule a speaker at
your school, call 205-638-9587.
Check out childrensal.org and atvsafety.org
for more info!
DYK? It's against Alabama law to operate an ATV on public roads!
28 |
Winter 2018
www.potentialmagazine.com