(This is not a local news ad )
By Doug Morris
April 14, 2005 – ATVs kill youth! Something must be done!
At least, that is what local and national media is reporting. They make it sound like accidents and fatalities are out of control and nobody is doing anything about it! Nothing could be farther from the truth.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently released its 2003 Annual Report of ATV Deaths and Injuries, the latest figures available. The report states facts, not opinions, in black and white for all to read.
It says that in 2002 there were 473 ATV-related deaths nationwide, and in 2003 there were 407 deaths. Now, you don’t have to be a math major to figure out that the number of ATV-related deaths has gone down, period.
Hmm, maybe I missed something. Let’s see what the numbers say for children under the age of 16.
For 2002 they list 121 deaths, and for 2003 they list 111. I still can’t seem to come up with any numbers to substantiate the claims of the media.
As I dig a little deeper into the report I see that there were 5.5 million four-wheeled ATVs in use in 2002, and for 2003 there were 6.2 million.
Let’s see. That means there are more ATVs in use, fewer deaths, fewer youth deaths, and yet the media still reports that ATVs are killing our youth.
If you would like your very own copy of the CPSC report to use the next time you are confronted by the media, or you're attending a local meeting to restrict the use of ATVs on your own property or in your community, just go to:
www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/FOIA/FOIA05/brief/ATV2003.pdf.
After you print out a copy, make an extra copy to give to the anti-ATV crowd. I doubt they will read it, but at least you gave them the info.
I don’t want you to think for a minute that adults and kids aren’t getting hurt or killed riding ATVs, however. They are, and even one death is one too many.
What can we all do to continue to reduce injuries and deaths, while having fun? Most of you are already doing it: wear your helmet, ride with a buddy, say ``no'' to carrying passengers, ride sober, protect your eyes and body, minimize exhaust sound levels, stay on the trail, supervise young and inexperienced riders, ride within your skills, show respect for others, and tread lightly.
One of the most important things to do is take a training course. Or, better yet, become a licensed instructor and help others become more responsible riders. The rewards are fantastic, accidents go down, deaths continue to go down and we keep the trails we have.
If you’re not the instructor type, maybe you have or know of a small piece of land that can be used for training classes.
Who do you call? The ATV Safety Institute at (800) 887-2887. Tell them ATVA sent you.
© 2005, All Terrain Vehicle Association
