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ATV Safety

Rhonda Miller Ph.D., Utah State University

Abstract

The ATV is a popular form of recreation and a valuable piece of work equipment. Since the mid 1980's, the ATV has found increasing use in agriculture. ATVs provide agriculturalists with convenience and efficiency in transportation as well as for a wide variety of other purposes. Despite all the wonderful aspects of the ATV, it is important to remember that they can also be hazardous. The use of ATVs has increased since their introduction to the U.S., and so have the associated injuries and deaths. Many of these accidents occur on the farm. This number is expected to grow as the use of ATVs becomes more common in agricultural operations. Farm chores requiring the operation of ATVs are given to children, who often lack proper training, supervision, and do not operate the ATV safely. In most cases, these accidents are as a result of improper use of handling. The following are 10 guidelines to ensure the safe use of an ATV