As Summer Vacations Approach, United Spinal Urges ATV Safety, Especially for Children
Jackson Heights, NY––As warmer weekends and summer vacations draw near, the number of Americans participating in outdoor recreational activities and sports increases. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the number of four-wheel all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in use between 2002 and 2003 increased by 700,000 units (13%). Along with increased use, the size and power of ATVs has also increased resulting in more serious injuries. The number of injuries requiring emergency room treatment is reported to have risen 10% from 113,900 in 2002 to 125,500 in 2003.
As part of its nationwide Motorsafe campaign to promote safe motoring and raise public awareness about spinal cord injury, United Spinal Association reminds the public, especially parents, that in 2003, ATVs killed at least 111 children younger than 16 years of age accounting for 27% of all fatalities. Children under 16 suffered 38,600 serious injuries in 2003 which was 31% of all injuries. This age group received more serious injuries than any other group. Between 1985 and 2003, children under 16 accounted for 37% of all injuries.
United Spinal’s Motorsafe program stresses the following precautions:
Take an ATV educational course.
United Spinal Association’s Motorsafe program is a nationwide public awareness campaign promoting safe motoring. The program targets all people who operate automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, motorboats, personal watercraft, and snowmobiles. United Spinal’s goal is to share information and knowledge of specific hazards involved in operating these types of equipment and to highlight good practices that will prevent serious injury or even death. For more information, or to download a free Motorsafe brochure and safety tips card, please visit www.unitedspinal.org and click, Motorsafe.
United Spinal Association is a national membership organization committed to enhancing the lives of people with spinal cord injuries or disorders. Approximately 700,000 Americans have disabilities of the spinal cord as a result of traumatic injury or multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS or other disorders. Membership in United Spinal is free and open to any individual with these disabilities, regardless of age. For more information on United Spinal Association, call 800-404-2898 or visit www.unitedspinal.org.