Got Wheels?--Adolescent exposure to ATVs and their driving practices

Background: More children die each year in the U.S. from all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) than from bicycle crashes. However, the degree of exposure to ATVs is currently unknown, and most children receive little safety instruction. Objectives: Determine adolescent exposure to ATVs and their operating practices, and teach them key principles of safe ATV operation. Methods: A community-based multi-disciplinary task force developed an educational program which was presented at schools targeting 12-15 year olds. Results: 1,900 Iowa students received the ATV safety educational intervention. 86% reported riding an ATV at least a few times a year and 31% stated they ride at least once a week. Of those who reported having been on an ATV, 94% had ridden with more than one person and 81% had been on a public road. Nearly two-thirds of those riding ATVs reported never or almost never wearing a helmet. 61% with riding exposure had been in an ATV crash (rolled over, fallen off, or hit something). ATV safety knowledge scores increased significantly with the education. 44% said that they were likely or very likely to use the ATV safety information provided, while 36% said they were unlikely or very unlikely to do so. Conclusion: Adolescents in Iowa have a high exposure to ATVs. Most practice unsafe behaviors and the majority have experienced a crash. Most study youth demonstrated a deficiency in some ATV safety knowledge. However, our classroom intervention increased short-term ATV safety knowledge, and a significant proportion felt they would use the safety information presented.