Warm weather is here, and families are outdoors having fun together. Safe Kids Metro KC wants families to be aware of the dangers of ATVs. Below is a report just out from the CPSC.
CPSC warns families about ATV dangers for kids
http://onsafety.cpsc.gov/blog/2016/05/27/cpsc-warns-families-about-atv-dangers-for-kids/
May 27, 2016
In the lead up to summer, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns parents about the dangers of children riding adult all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Tragically, during the four days of the 2015 Memorial Day holiday weekend, there were at least 13 deaths and an estimated 2,900 emergency room treated injuries associated with ATV usage, according to reports gathered by CPSC. Reports for the six Memorial Day holiday weekends from 2009 to 2014 show a total of more than 114 ATV-related fatalities.
“Almost every day I read ATV death reports – many of them involving children,” said CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye. “As a parent, I understand the desire to have fun with your kids, but kids don’t have the physical or cognitive skills needed to stay safe on these vehicles. Keep your children off of our tragedy list—keep kids off adult ATVs.”
CPSC urges the riding community to follow these four safety tips to keep children safe:
- Never let children ride ATVs that are meant for adults.
- Make sure children younger than 16 operate only youth model ATVs appropriate for their age.
- Never let children younger than 6 on an ATV.
- Make sure children wear a helmet and other protective gear that fits appropriately.
CPSC wants all ATV riders to know that hands-on training and following these known safety practices can help keep adults and children safe while using their vehicles:
- Do not drive ATVs on paved roads.
- Do not drive ATVs with a passenger or ride as a passenger.
- Always wear a helmet and other protective gear such as eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
ROV drivers and riders also need to be vigilant this riding season. Overall deaths associated with these powerful machines with car-like seats and steering wheels have reached more than 400 during the past 10 years.
In addition to the tips for ATV riders, ROV drivers and passengers should take these steps:
- Never have more passengers than there are seat belts and never carry passengers in cargo beds.
- Always fasten seat belts and keep all parts of your body inside the vehicle.
- Never transport passengers who cannot place both feet on the floorboard with their backs against the seat.
And, whether you’re operating an ATV or an ROV, drive at a safe speed and use care when turning and crossing slopes.
Ride smart and ride safe to avoid tragedies this weekend and all season long.
Further information on ATV safety is available at the ATV Safety Information Center or the ROV Safety Information Center. Both are at www.CPSC.gov.
About U.S. CPSC:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC’s free e-mail newsletters.
CPSC Consumer Information Hotline
Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:
800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)
Times: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime
Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.
Media Contact
Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests.
Phone: 301-504-7908
Spanish: 301-504-7800
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KANSAS CITY STAR REPORT
May 22, 2016
BY GLENN E. RICE
A 42-year-old Platte City man died early Sunday in a four-wheel ATV accident in rural Platte County.
Daniel J. Belk was dead at the scene of the 2 a.m. accident at Northwest Kisker Road and Oberdiek Lane.
Details about how the accident occurred were not released. The crash is being investigated, said Sgt. Jeffrey Shanks of the Platte County Sheriff’s Department.
A 41-year-old passenger, Donita L. James, also from Platte City, was taken by helicopter to a hospital with serious injuries.
Glenn E. Rice: 816-234-4341, @GRicekcstar
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article79557102.html#storylink=cpy
