OHV/ATV and Motor Vehicle Safety
Injury Prevention Program
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) are designed for off-road adventures and other fun activities as long as you follow the laws. Larger and more powerful ATVs are increasingly popular, but can also increase the chance of injury.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ATVs result in more than 100,000 emergency-department visits each year and over 30,000 injuries among kids under 16 years old. Further, an estimated 200 children die each year from ATV-related injuries.
Phoenix Children’s injury prevention specialists work to prevent injuries related to ATVs, motorcycles and other sports vehicles. Kids of any age should wear helmets and attend training before riding any motorized vehicle.
OHV/ATV Protection On or Off the Road
Families need a few ground rules before having OHV/ATV fun. Full-sized ATVs aren’t made for kids under 16 years old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that no children under age 16 ride ATVs or other motorized vehicles.
ATV riders of any age should attend an ATV drivers’ safety course first. To prevent ATV injury, know and follow current laws and regulations, including these general guides:
- Always supervise closely when a child is operating an ATV.
- ATVs are safe for only one person. Don’t let a second person ride along.
- Don’t drive ATVs on the street or at night.
- Never operate an ATV or any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Ride an age-appropriate ATV.
- Wear an approved helmet with eye protection.
- Wear non-skid, closed-toed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
UTV – Utility Type Vehicles/Side by Sides
- A driver’s license is required. Children must be at least 16 years of age to operate a UTV.
- Young children should not be operating any UTV’s.
- Always wear a helmet, eye protection and use seatbelts.
- Do not operate a UTV with more people than the number of available seats.
- Only use off-road, UTV’s are not recommended for street use.
- Never operate a UTV or any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Motorized/Electrical Vehicles and Bikes
Your children and teens may enjoy riding all types of bikes, from mopeds, motorized and electrical bicycles to off-road sport bikes. Riding any type of motorized vehicle requires helmets, safety gear and proper training before they’re ready to roll. Golf carts are also used by children and teens. Most are not “street legal” and should not be driven on the street. A licensed driver should be the only one driving the golf cart.
Related Resources About ATVs and Sports Vehicles
Contact Us
You can reach out to our injury prevention specialists for additional information and answers at 602-933-0960.