Sharing is caring!

Safe Kids Georgia held an ATV Safety Training on April 7 in Macon, GA for Safe Kids coordinators. Safe Kids, with  assistance from an Emory University intern, developed an ATV Safety Program using evidence-based materials created by Arkansas Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Center, The National 4-H, and the ATV Safety Institute. Mike Klumpp, an ATV Safety Coordinator from Oklahoma State University, flew in to facilitate the training at the Macon-Bibb County Health Department.

The training provided participants with general knowledge about how an ATV operates, size regulations, fit guidelines, the importance of wearing a helmet and other proper safety apparel, and more. Mr. Klumpp also led the attendees through a series of activities emphasizing ATV safety, specifically the importance of only having one rider on an ATV at a time.

At the end of the training, each coalition coordinator was provided with an ATV Safety Kit that included a helmet, goggles, gloves, a facilitator’s manual, a video to be shown to program participants, and marketing materials such as posters and informational handouts. The coordinators are now ready to go out and educate individuals in their communities, and a total of 18 coordinators will receive ATV Safety Kits.

ATVs are a fun way for kids to get outdoors, but they are still dangerous vehicles. To be sure that your child is safe when riding, review the following facts and safety tips. 

 
ATV Facts
  • Most ATV’s are not designed for more than one rider.
  • Georgia has the 11th highest ATV-related death count of all 50 States.
  • There is not a state agency that regulates ATVs in Georgia, but law permits that ATVs may not be operated on sand dunes or beaches except as authorized.
  • The risk of an ATV injury is 12 times higher for children than for other adult drivers.
  • Helmets reduce nonfatal injuries by as much as 64% and the risk of death by 42%.
  • Before ages 12, it is extremely difficult for children to perceive risk because they lack experience and cannot envision consequences.
 ATV Safety Tips
  • According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under age 16 should NOT ride an ATV.
  • ATVs are not one-size-fit-all machines—Contact your local Safe Kids or Safe Kids Georgia to get the fit and size recommendations.
  • Enroll your children in a certified ATV Rider Safety Course before they begin riding ATVs.
  • Ride ATVs off-road, only on trails without cars and trucks.
  • Make sure children know to never ride alone, and always let an adult know where they are going, and how long they will be gone before they go riding.
  • When riding an ATV, your child should wear the proper gear which includes a helmet with a DOT approved sticker, goggles, gloves, long sleeved shirt and pants, and over the ankle boots.

 

For more information, visit the ATV Safety Institute at http://www.atvsafety.org/ and www.atvsafety.gov/state/georgia.html

 

Comments are closed.

© Safe Kids Georgia