ATV accidents are often fatal. Mississippi makes up less than 0.9% of the country’s overall population. But according to a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the state accounts for roughly 2.3% of all off-highway vehicle (OHV) deaths in the United States.  

OHV deaths, particularly ATV deaths, are particularly common among Mississippi’s children. In the Jackson metro and Pine Belt several children have died from injuries sustained from ATV accidents over the last few years. However, steps can be implemented to reduce the risk of serious injury and death, regardless of age. 

ATV Safety Tips:  

GET TRAINED 

Take a hands-on safety course to learn how to control your ATV in various situations. Drivers with formal ATV training have a lower risk of injury than drivers with no formal training. A list of training sessions from the ATV Safety Institute can be found at https://online.svia.org/Training  

WEAR A HELMET 

In Mississippi, ATVs and recreational off-highway vehicles can operate on county rural, gravel or paved roads, but not on interstate highways or roads with speed limits over 40 mph. Additionally, riders under 16 are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet. Other protective gear is also highly recommended, including boots, goggles, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE ATV 

Children under 16 are twice as likely to be injured if they are riding an adult-sized ATV instead of a youth-sized ATV. 

ONE AT A TIME 

Most ATVs are designed to carry only one person at a time. Passengers can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control. Many ATV-related deaths and injuries occur when an adult allows a child to ride as a passenger on their ATV.  

AVOID PAVEMENT

ATVs are difficult to control on paved roads, and many ATV-related deaths are caused by collisions with cars. It is against the last to use ATVs on highways, except when crossing or when highway has been closed to traffic.  

RIDE SOBER

Reaction time and judgement are important for safe ATV use. Do not impair your senses with alcohol or drugs.

Sources:

Consumer Product Safety Commission on ATV Safety www.atvsafety.gov 

American Academy of Pediatrics – www.aap.org  

Children’s Safety Network – www.childrenssafetynetwork.org  

Mississippi State University Extension- Mississippi State University Extension Service | (msstate.edu)