Kids' ATV Death Rate Up, Study Says

(CBS)  The death rate of kids using all-terrain vehicles in the United States increased significantly during a recent five-year span, according to one report, adding fuel to efforts by a parents' group to restrict and ultimately ban the use of the machines by anyone under 16.

The industry insists voluntary safety standards already in place are working.

Concerned Families for ATV Safety says the report, being released Tuesday by West Virginia University's Injury Control Research Center, shows a 24 percent jump, to an average of 171 a year, in deaths of kids using ATVs from 2000-2004, about the same time during which the industry has been policing itself with its guidelines.

The group says the new findings "for the first time, directly refute that claim. This data clearly shows that the dangers of ATVs are increasing" at an alarming rate.

Carol Ellert Keezer, a co-founder of the group, lost her 12-year-old son, Alex, in an ATV accident.

She told The Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen she'd never heard of anyone being killed using an ATV, and thought Alex's death was a freak occurrence.

But soon, Keezer found other mothers who had lost children in such mishaps, and they formed Concerned Families for ATV Safety.

For starters, the group is pushing for a federal ban on the sale of adult-size ATVs for use by anyone under 16. In the long run, the group wants a complete ban on ATV use by kids in that age range.

"Warning labels, manuals, and safety courses are not preventing our children from dying," says Keezer, referring to a voluntary safety campaign the industry has in place.

But the industry says the proper use of ATVs is key, and ATV dealers face disciplinary actions from manufacturers if dealers are found selling adult-sized ATVs for use by kids.

The industry says it favors state — not federal — legislation regarding ATV safety.

Among other things, industry spokespeople say mandatory training on ATV use for kids under 16 would help, as would the mandatory use of helmets and protective gear, and mandatory supervision by adults.

The industry asserts it's the way people ride four-wheelers, not a lack of regulation, that leads to accidents, injuries and deaths, and says parents need to make smart decisions about whether or not their kids are physically and mentally ready to handle an ATV.

Keezer says she doesn't think the ATV industry is doing enough to inform parents about the dangers.

And on The Early Show Tuesday, Carolyn Anderson, another co-founder of Concerned families for ATV Safety, told co-anchor Harry Smith the problem centers around "children driving large, powerful machines that are inappropriate for children under the age of 16. They're too dangerous.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics and many other child safety advocates say (ATVs are) too dangerous for children. This study bears that fact out. They're killing and injuring just so many children, they're not safe.

"Children under the age of 16 don't have the judgment skills or common sense required to operate a motor vehicle like that safely. They just don't have the ability to do that."

As for industry claims that mandatory training on ATV use and mandatory adult supervision could minimize risks, Anderson asks rhetorically, "Would you say that your child can operate your Corvette as long as he's had two hours of training? I don't think so."

[atvcrazy2]

My boys have been riding atvs since they were 3. The parent has to take responsibility and teach their kids how to be safe riders. Not pass the blame after wearing blinders. I feel for their loss, as my children are my life. But you have to supervise them at all times and teach them safety first. They always wear their protective gear even if they argue, which they do.They never have access to the bikes when my husband or I are not home. My kids always want faster bigger bikes but that doesn't mean that I buy it for them. Rather than try to ban other children from riding why not educate the parent on the responsibility that comes with owning an atv with children. But isn't that what parenting is, teaching right from wrong. Its so much easier to pass the blame rather than live up to the fact that the mistake was against your better judgment!

[mm2ssjoel]

WOW, I am glad I am not the only one that thought that the ATV and kid's story was completely irrespondsible of CBS, I mourn for the children of these folks that where interviewed, but where is the other side of the story?

Come on CBS tell the story fronm both sides, what kid of helmet was these kids wearing how much adult supervision, where they riding a machine that was too much for them, My daughter rides with a helmet, chect protector boots etc. she has had education by the dealer and by me her parent and she never rides unsupervised, come on people be parents.

[aylastar]

Thank You JFARMER1US You said just what I was going to.

[mrbrillo]

It's sad to hear about such tragic deaths.

It's also sad that Concerned Families for ATV Safety has chosen to act as a political advocacy organization when it could be using its resources to educate the public about ATV safety.

Here's the blunt truth: losing a child in an ATV-related accident does not make you an expert on ATV safety, no matter how many like-minded people you surround yourself with.

[atvsft22]

As a parent. a Atv safety instructor,a retired atv service manager.Im sorry for the lost of the parents child.As I am a child of the 3 wheeler days,the responsibility of the children falls on the parents not the ATV or the DEALER.the parent who had to sign many times informing them of the dangers of ATV and were offered a FREE class.and would be payed just to come take the class.

[fish00k]

I do not respond to many television news programs, but the interview on the early show July 31 about kids ATV death just kinda got to me. I am not trying to discredit Carol Ellert Keezer at all. She is trying to tell us something and no one is listening. It is not the manufacture fault! It is the adults, we are the one%u2019s that need the education. Mrs. Keezer
Had never heard of anyone killed on a atv She didn%u2019t know that they went that fast. I just wonder if She knew that they make helmets, impact jackets & short, boots, chest protectors, eye protection, and more. I have grandkids that all ride. They are all under 14 years old. When they ride I or my son or adult is with them, we don%u2019t always ride but we are there. We must have adult education as a must before we let our kid that we love ride. My grandkids love to ride and I love them please don%u2019t take this away . I have no idea but
how many kids died on a bicycle last year
Thanks Much Tom Hinz

[andrwsmom1]

Wow...here we go again. Take responsibility people and be parents. My entire family rides, including my 3 year old son, yes my 3 year old! We are certified and practice safety 1st. We do not take our child to terrain that is unfit for him or over crowded. We govern his speed and have taught him more than where the gas and brakes are. He has even been taught to obey hand signals. We also make sure that he is protected in gear from head to toe and we NEVER let him ride alone. Just like with anything else, common sense and discipline starts at home.

[brucesmall]

In our area we routinely see kids riding ATVs completely unsupervised, and two have been killed. The moms and dads insist the kids are just having fun, and there is no danger. When the deputy shows up at the door they are devastated. And clueless.

[wkp75]

I just wanted to say all the things WendyK7,jfarmer1us and nminard have shared I 100% agree with. This world is full of completely backwards parents and this has to stop. I wish there is a support group for the parents who are responsable enought to know the difference from who makes the decisions in the family (MOM and DAD) and who follows the said rules of the family (the children). Be the parent, not the friend, or the coolest parent, just be one! As for the ATV companies, Please leave them alone!!!!

[nminard-2009]

%u201CI didn%u2019t know.%u201D Does not relieve parents from their responsibilities, just as ignorance of the law is no excuse. ATV's do not KILL Children. Parents & adults that let children ride machines that are too huge for them are to blame & should be held responsible. Look the headlines and you'll find the kids were on adult sized machines, no training, no safety equipment, no supervision and repeat NOT on a child size machine. The industry can%u2019t be held responsible for the ignorance of people who read the very obvious warning labels plastered all over the machines, yet do not follow the warnings. Kids can%u2019t ride the machines unless they have the keys. It is time people took responsibility for their actions and their children. Why punish those who are doing it correctly and recreating with their families. For every horror story the papers print, there are hundreds of stories out there about people who do the right thing. People who are helping in their communities with safety awareness programs, volunteering thousands of hours to make sure there are safe well maintained and managed OHV areas for families to recreate.
I feel sorry for those who have lost children but my real concern is who will stand up for those children who are lost because their parents didn%u2019t take the time to find out about ATVs before letting their children use them. The parents of these children want to blame their tragedy on everyone else when the blame is really their%u2019s.