ATVs Not the Only Off-Road Danger to Kids

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Collins recommended that if children do drive these vehicles they wear a helmet -- one that includes proper face protection. "Parents should also be aware of the risk of injury to children who are bystanders, not just drivers or passengers," she said.

In addition, Collins said effective legislation covering the use of ATVs should also be extended to other non-automobile motorized vehicles.

Another expert agreed.

"There are enormous risks for children on motorized vehicles of all sorts in the United States, and these injuries are dramatically increasing," said Dr. Mary Aitken, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Little attention has been paid to the risks associated with vehicles such as scooters, go-carts and farm vehicles, Aitken said. "The fact that nearly one-quarter of the injuries to children under 12 years of age were on these types of vehicles is both remarkable and alarming," she said.

"Hopefully, this study will result in a reality check for parents, for the pediatricians and other physicians who counsel them, and for policy makers," Aitken said. "There is nothing 'recreational' about a trip to the emergency department or an admission to the hospital," she added.

Improved awareness and stricter policies to promote use of safety equipment and to limit use of these vehicles by young children may reverse this trend, Aitken said. "As these authors point out, however, there is a lot that is still unknown about the effectiveness of current regulations, and ongoing study is needed," she said.

More information

To learn more about ATV safety, visit the Injury Free Coalition for Kids.