Keeping teenagers safe on farm ATVs
August 31st, 2009
ACC statistics show 300 children were injured in ATV accidents between 2006 and 2008 while between 2000 and 2006, 212 children were hospitalised and 15 died. The average age of those injured was 9.8 years old. The Agricultural Health and Safety Council Guidelines state in general, youths under the age of 15 years have less sense of danger and lack the physical strength and size to safely handle a farm ATV.
Industry guidelines also state children aged between 12 and 15 should not be allowed to drive a farm ATV unless their guardian or employer is sure they are capable and competent, and extra precautions and limits are imposed as follows:
• The youth has the physical strength and size to operate the ATV and is adequately trained.
• The youth is wearing a suitable helmet and solid footwear at all times.
• No passengers are carried.
• No implements or loads are carried which may make it harder to safely handle the ATV.
• The youth is adequately supervised.
• Appropriate limits are placed on speed (keep speed down), terrain (flat ground), and enforcement of no-go zones.
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