Between 2005 – 2011, 7 children under the age of 15 were killed (per Oregon Center for Health Statistics data) and 108 were injured in Oregon due to nonstandard transportation methods; the majority of these being ATVs. Additionally, 7% of all ATV deaths in Oregon occurred in children under the age of 15 and 33% for those under 25 (per Oregon Center for Health Statistics data).
There has been a large increase in the number of both ATV and off-road two-wheeled motorcycle riders requiring treatment in Oregon’s trauma centers. It is important that health care providers, citizens and public officials work together to implement a comprehensive injury-prevention response to this serious health issue.
Resources
Children’s Safety Network – February 2014 ATV Info Graphic
NEWS from CPSCÂ June 2012 press release
Head and Spine Trauma From ATVÂ Accidents
Oregon Online ATV Safety Education Course
Oregon Law
Oregon law requires anyone under the age of 16 operating an ATV on public lands to be supervised by an adult over the age of 18. Also, anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet and have the chin strap fastened.  Youth under the age of 16 are required to have on-line safety training and hands-on rider training. For more information, please visit RideATVOregon.