Wheels of Misfortune: All-Terrain Vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles

Abstract

In this article, authors provide a historical context for the increasing dangers of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and side-by-side and utility task vehicles (UTV) used by children and teens. In addition, the article describes the design features that make these vehicles prone to crashes and particularly dangerous to children. Study data related to the characteristics of riders, crash and injury mechanisms, risk factors, and resulting injuries are also summarized. Finally, effective injury prevention strategies using approaches from engineering, education and laws/enforcement are outlined, with a particular emphasis on the importance of health care clinicians in pediatric injury prevention efforts.

Keywords: All-terrain vehicle; Children; Injury prevention; Off-road vehicle; Pediatric; Side-by-side vehicle; Utility task vehicle.