Researchers to examine ATV child safety

LEXINGTON, Ky., June 12 (UPI) -- A U.S. trauma surgeon says some pediatricians advise against a child ever riding an all terrain vehicle, or ATV, but his study is examining child ATV safety.

The University of Kentucky study's primary investigator, Dr. Andrew Bernard, says his research will provide consumers, manufacturers and potentially government regulators important information for parents who choose to allow a child to ride.

"ATVs are the fastest growing part of the motor sports industry and Kentucky is one of the leading states in the country in per capita ATV death rates over the last five years," Bernard said in a statement. "Kids are going to ride and there is little that can be done to prevent that. However, there are things that can be done to dramatically lower the likelihood that a child or adult will be injured on an ATV."

The multiyear study of ATV safety will include analysis of whether an operator's size is an issue.

"Since most children injured on ATVs are riding adult size vehicles, this study will attempt to determine the fit between a child and a vehicle that is adult-size," Bernard said. "It will also try to determine how often a youth in a certain age bracket is actually fitted with the wrong vehicle."