All-Terrain Vehicle–Related Nonfatal Injuries Among Young Riders in the United States, 2001–2010

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To estimate the numbers and rates of all-terrain vehicle (ATV)–related nonfatal injuries among riders aged ≤15 years treated in hospital emergency departments (EDs) in the United States during 2001–2010. METHODS National Electronic Injury Surveillance System–All Injury Program data for 2001–2010 were analyzed. Numbers and rates of injuries were examined by age group, gender, primary body part injured, diagnosis, and hospital admission status. RESULTS During 2001–2010, an estimated 361 161 ATV riders aged ≤15 years were treated in EDs for ATV-related injuries. The injury rate peaked at 67 per 100 000 children in 2004 and then declined to 42 per 100 000 children by 2010. The annualized injury rate for boys was double that of girls (73 vs 37 per 100 000). Children aged 11 to 15 years accounted for two-thirds of all ED visits and hospitalizations. Fractures accounted for 28% of ED visits and 45% of hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS The reasons for the decline in ATV-related injuries among young riders are not well understood but might be related to the economic recession of the mid-2000s and decreased sales of new ATVs. Although many states have regulations governing children’s use of ATVs, their effectiveness in reducing injuries is unclear. Broader use of known effective safety measures, including prohibiting children aged ≤15 years from riding adult-sized ATVs, always wearing a helmet while riding, not riding on paved roads, and not riding as or carrying a passenger could additionally reduce ATV-related injuries among children. Last, more research to better understand ATV crash dynamics might lead to safer designs for ATVs.

A comparison of injuries sustained from recreational compared to organized motorized vehicle use in children

“…However, this study indicates that helmet use among MRV users may not be associated with a reduction in severe head injuries and intracranial hemorrhage. Although these findings are inconsistent with existing literature that indicates that helmet use reduces risk of MRV-related death and head injury [18,19], other studies confirm that helmets offer insufficient protection for MRV participants [1][2][3]. This study adds to existing literature by indicating that, even among a cohort of patients with higher rates of compliance with safety equipment use, serious injuries associated with significant morbidity still occur frequently.…”

“…The use of motorized recreational vehicles (MRVs) such as motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) continues to be a source of significant preventable morbidity and mortality among children in the United States (US) [1][2][3]. From 2001 through 2010, 36,000 children b 15 years of age presented to hospital emergency departments (ED) every year with ATV-related injuries and 28% of these patients had fractures [3].…”

“…From 2001 through 2010, 36,000 children b 15 years of age presented to hospital emergency departments (ED) every year with ATV-related injuries and 28% of these patients had fractures [3]. For motorbike-related collisions, nearly 50% of drivers require hospitalization and 33% require surgery [1].…”

Epidemiology of musculoskeletal pain in a pediatric emergency department

“…A literature review reveals a significant body of information regarding the epidemiology of either specific fractures (craniofacial [21], maxillofacial [22], wrist/distal radius [23,24], hand [25,26], knee [27], tibial tuberosity [28] or metatarsal bones [29]) or certain activity-related injuries (motocross [30], all-terrain vehicles [31], bicycle [32], falling down the stairs [33] or holiday-related [34]). However, the objective of the study was to address the epidemiology of MSP in the ED and not the epidemiology of pediatric fractures or injuries.…”

Pediatric All-Terrain Vehicle Injuries

“…7,8 The risk of injury on at ATV is 4 times higher in adults than children. 9 Hence, ATVs are a preventable source of childhood morbidity and mortality that many states have addressed by creating new legislation.…”