Logo image
Back
The All-Terrain Vehicle Exposure and Crash Experiences of Iowa FFA Members
Abstract

The All-Terrain Vehicle Exposure and Crash Experiences of Iowa FFA Members

Charles A Jennissen, Kristel Wetjen, Pam Hoogerwerf, Lauren O'Donnell and Gerene Denning
Pediatrics (Evanston), Vol.144, p.1
08/01/2019
DOI: 10.1542/peds.144.2MA1.86

View Online

Abstract

Purpose: All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) continue to be popular among adolescents and are used by them for both occupational and recreational purposes, especially in rural areas. About 30% of all serious injuries due to ATVs in the state of Iowa are suffered by children <16 years of age. The objective of this study was to better understand the ATV-related exposure and crash experiences of Iowa adolescents. Methods: Attendees of the 2017 Iowa FFA Leadership Conference were surveyed at the Iowa ATV Safety Task Force booth. Data was collected with regards to when FFA members first rode an ATV as a passenger and as a driver, when they had their first ATV crash as a passenger and as a driver, the total number of ATV-related crashes they had been in, and whether they ever had to seek medical attention due to an ATV-related crash and, if so, at what age. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed. Results: A total of 603 FFA members 12-19 years old completed the survey. The vast majority of participants (95.5%) had ridden an ATV. Nearly all reported having ridden as a passenger. Mean age at which respondents first rode as a passenger was 6.1 years, and as an operator was 8.9 years. Nearly 20% and about 30% reported having crashed on an ATV when riding as a passenger and as a driver, respectively. The mean age at which they first crashed as a passenger was 10.5 years and as a driver was 11.0 years. On average, males first drove ATVs about a year earlier than females. Both those that lived on farms or whose families owned an ATV were significantly younger when they first rode an ATV than those that lived elsewhere or did not own an ATV, respectively. Overall, one-third had been in at least one ATV crash. Males and those who lived in the country had higher percentages that had been in a crash. Over one-fifth of those in an ATV crash required getting medical attention and the mean age at the time of their first crash that required medical attention was 11.5 years. Conclusions: Iowa FFA members reported nearly universal exposure to ATVs and commonly practice unsafe behaviors such as riding as or with a passenger. Those who lived on farms started riding on ATVs much younger on average than those who lived elsewhere, and higher percentages of those who lived in the country reported having had an ATV-related crash. Families are routinely not enforcing safe ATV practices and are allowing children to ride and drive ATVs at ages which are not developmentally appropriate and against manufacturer recommendations.
 Adolescents Leadership Age All terrain vehicles Children Crashes Exposure Farms Females Males Passengers Riding Rural areas

Details

Metrics

45 Record Views
Logo image