Sunday, May 15, 2011

They are fast, powerful and some think 'cool' to ride, but some people also call ATV's or four-wheelers, killers.

A recent study shows the number of kids injured and hospitalized for ATV related injuries has more than doubled.

It says it on the vehicle, not for use by anyone under 16, but ATV’s, or 4-wheelers, have become very popular with young kids, and according to safety experts, more and more dangerous.

13-year-old Nattalee Spencer was on her first ATV ride when she hit a dip in a dirt road and veered off into the ditch, running right through a barbed wire fence. Her body shredded with cuts, and battered with bruises.

Nationwide, the consumer product safety commission reports an average of 800 deaths per year in ATV related accidents, and 135,000 injuries.

Of those deaths and injuries, a third are children under 16.

In Kansas, in 2009 alone, 26 kids under 18 died in all-terrain vehicle accidents, which include ATV’s.

Now, many want laws restricting ATV use. They want to see an age restriction.

No matter your age though, experts say you should wear safety gear when riding.

For ATV safety information click here