I've written before about the pleasures and perils of summer sports. One sport that I don't personally participate in but know something about is riding and racing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Why do I know about ATVs? Because as an emergency physician, I've seen ATV-related injuries and know that this is one activity that requires caution, common sense and basic safety awareness.

If ATV accidents were confined to adults, I would focus on general safety issues that adult riders must consider. However, ATVs are becoming popular among youth and children, and these populations need to take even more precautions because accidents with these heavy, dangerous vehicles can be deadly for kids.

In 1987, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a policy statement about the use of ATVs by minors. That statement has been reaffirmed several times since then. The AAP notes that ATVs are not stable vehicles, despite the fact that they have four wheels. The statement adds, "The danger is magnified because these vehicles can attain substantial speeds of 30 to 50 miles per hour." A collision easily could cause the vehicle to roll over or the rider to be ejected.

After studies in the mid-1980s concluded that there is significant risk of injury, ATV manufacturers accepted consent decrees that, among other things, called for national rider safety training and voluntary safety standards. Although the original decrees expired in 1998, many manufacturers continue to provide education and safety training.

Abiding by state laws also helps decrease injury risk. In Missouri, all riders under 18 must wear a helmet at all times; all ATVs must be titled and registered; no one under 16 may register an ATV; ATV use on highways is prohibited; no one under 16 may operate an ATV unless on a parent's land or accompanied by a parent; and passengers may not be carried except for ATVs designed to carry more than one person.

When considering these laws, I want to stress the utmost important of the helmet law. Helmets save lives. Wearing one when operating an ATV, motorcycle, scooter or bicycle should be as fundamental as wearing a seat belt. Data show that head injuries account for most ATV-related deaths, and head and spinal trauma are among the most serious non-fatal ATV injuries.

Although the law does allow children younger than 16 to operate an ATV with a parent, the AAP states that "off-road vehicles are particularly dangerous for children younger than 16 years who may have immature judgement and motor skills. Children who are not licensed to drive a car should not be allowed to operate off-road vehicles."

If an injury occurs despite adherence to the laws and safety guidelines, Cardinal Glennon Pediatric Emergency at SSM St. Joseph Hospital West and other facilities provides fast treatment of children's emergencies by pediatric specialists. Talking with physicians and nurses who specifically treat children can be an excellent resource to ensure the health and well being of our community's children.

Remember, a helmet isn't optional. If your head is exposed while you're on a vehicle, protect yourself!

Dr. Jennings' Medically Speaking column is now available on www.ssmstjosephwest.com. Click on the Healthy Living Guide apple icon for general health information and to view color photos and illustrations regarding a variety of medical procedures and conditions. You can also sign up to receive a free health e-newsletter. 

Dr. Anthony Jennings is director of the Department of Emergency Medicine at St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake Saint Louis. He is board-certified in emergency medicine and has achieved fellowship status in the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians.