All terrain vehicle ownership, use, and self reported safety behaviours in rural children

Abstract

Objectives - To describe all terrain vehicle (ATV) ownership, access, use, and safety behaviours in rural Manitoba children. Methods - Questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of grade 6 students attending an agricultural fair. Results - 162 grade 6 children participated. The mean age was 11.4 years, and 46% were male. 125 students (77%) reported having access to ATVs, including 69 four wheeled, 24 three wheeled, and four both three and four wheeled ATVs. ATV experience was reported in 95 students, significantly more often in males and among those with a family owned ATV, with no difference between children living on a farm and in a town. Use of helmets and protective clothing was inadequate (10-40%), and dangerous riding habits common, with males and children living on a farm reporting significantly fewer desirable behaviours. Conclusions - ATVs are commonly used by children in rural Manitoba, with inadequate protective gear and dangerous riding habits. Mandatory rider training, consumer and dealer education, and legislation enforcement could improve ATV safety in this population.