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Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Psalm 148:1-3
Motorized sports/recreation vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, motor scooters and go-karts may be relatively small in size, but they can cause devastating injuries especially if their drivers use them unsafely.

ATV injuries are probably the most common, but many drivers of all the above-listed vehicles are hurt each year, said Dr. Joe Holley, medical director of the emergency department of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville.

Both children and adults suffer injuries. Adults are typically novice drivers who don’t appreciate how powerful and unstable ATVs can be. Children tend to ride too fast and carry multiple riders with them, making the vehicle more unstable.

Common injuries include sprains, strains, cuts and broken bones to more serious head and spinal injuries that can be fatal. The most serious injuries and deaths typically occur when the vehicle flips over when drivers attempt to drive up a steep hill or encounter hazards when speeding through unfamiliar terrain.

The most important safety tip: Wear your helmet, said Dr. Holley. It can literally save your life.

“I have never seen a significant head injury of someone who was wearing a helmet,” Dr. Holley said.

Head injuries – even minor concussions – can have long-term effects. So a teenage accident victim could suffer life-long problems. Other safety tips:
  • Don’t carry riders. They are more at risk for injury than drivers and make the vehicle more unstable.
  • Don’t attempt to climb steep hills.
  • Don’t speed.
  • Children must have proper supervision.
  • Only ride in areas with which you are familiar, preferably areas that have been designated for vehicle traffic. Many accidents happen when drivers unexpectedly encounter obstacles or hazards.
  • Don’t ride illegally on streets or sidewalks. Sports/recreational vehicles are low to the ground and poorly marked. Automobile drivers may not see them.
  • Don’t ride vehicles if you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Use common sense any time you operate any type of vehicle. Any short-term thrill you may get from unsafe behavior could have devastating effects for the rest of your life.

Have fun, but be safe!

Published: April 23, 2008
Source: Dr. Joe Holley, medical director of the emergency department, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville.
Writer: Elizabeth Todd Bartholomew, MA, APR


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