ATV use, safety practices, and injuries among Indiana's youth

Limited data exist on ATV-related injuries and the associated behavioral practices of youths who operate ATVs. A questionnaire was administered to 2,098 Indiana youths to gather baseline data on the ATV operational and safety practices that would provide guidance in the development of a youth ATV safety program. Over two-thirds of the respondents had operated an ATV and nearly 80% had been either an operator or a passenger. The most frequently cited source of safety training was a “friend”. Helmets were the most commonly used personal protective safety equipment being used by 40% of youths who operated ATVs. Over 7% of youths indicated that they had suffered an ATV injury requiring medical treatment in the last year.