Newswise — Concerned Families for ATV Safety (http://www.atvsafetnet.org) co-founders Sue Rabe and Carolyn Anderson today issued the following statement in response to new data released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) showing that 1 in 5 people killed in ATV accidents in 2006 were children.
"The CPSC data underscores what we have been saying for a while now. Congress needs to take immediate action to address this growing problem. We urge them to conduct a thorough investigation into the full costs of child ATV accidents with an eye toward passing the recommend safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics " common sense standards that keep children under 16 off these powerful vehicles."
Background:In October, Dr. Jim Helmkamp, PhD, MS (West Virginia University) released the findings of his study comparing trends and financial costs to society of child ATV and bicycle fatalities between 2000 and 2004. The study found that the number of deaths and death rate for child ATV riders increased 24% from 2000 to 2004, while the hospitalization rate for children under 16 in ATV accidents increased 67% during the same time period.
Concerned Families for ATV Safety is a network of parents dedicated to reducing injuries and death among children driving powerful All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). We offer support to victim's families and provide families with information and resources to make informed decisions about their children and ATVs. Through public education we work to raise awareness of the need for adequate, common sense safety standards that keep children under 16 off ATVs, and for enforcement of ATV laws. For more information, please visit our web site at www.atvsafetynet.org.
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