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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Doctors at Primary Children's Hospital said injuries involving children on ATVs have spiked in the past two years. Doctors and the Utah Department of Natural Resources reminded parents ahead of the big 4th of July weekend to make sure they take basic safety precautions when riding ATVs as thousands of families prepared to enjoy the long weekend outdoors. Between 2019 and 2020 children injured in ATV crashes increased by 34%. So far in 2021, the number of ATV-related injuries is on track to meet or exceed last year’s numbers, according to Primary Children’s hospital. Eleven-year-old Emilia was seriously hurt in a side-by-side crash in Sanpete County last September. "She shouldn't be alive today,” said her mother. “She truly is our miracle. We realize that her wearing a full-face helmet was a huge part of why she is alive." Emilia was not wearing a seatbelt, however, and the crash pinned her under the ATV. The Utah statistics are disturbing. Utah reported more traumatic brain injuries among children than almost any other state in the country, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control. ATV crashes played a major role in that statistic. Children were 1,000 times more likely to be injured riding on an ATV than riding in a car, according to the Utah Department of Health. The Doctors at Primary's offered these reminders so everyone has a safe weekend riding ATVs. Make sure you wear a helmet that fits. Wear other protective equipment, goggles, gloves, long-sleeve shirts, and pants. Stick to the right number of riders per ATV. And don't ride beyond your skill level.
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Cary Schwanitz
