The Canadian Paediatric Society is urging for enhanced regulations and safety protocols to safeguard children using off-road vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides. According to the society, youths account for roughly one-third of fatalities involving off-road vehicles.
In a recent statement, the society proposed that federal, provincial, and territorial governments should oversee off-road vehicle usage akin to automobiles. These regulations would stipulate that individuals must be at least 16 years old to operate such vehicles and 12 years old to ride as passengers, with mandatory use of government-certified helmets to reduce the risk of severe head or neck injuries.
It was emphasized that off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-sides (SxSs), are intended for use on dirt trails and in wooded areas, not on paved roads. Research indicates that being under 16 years old is a contributing factor to losing control of an off-road vehicle due to incomplete development of necessary cognitive skills.
The society highlighted the importance of adolescents possessing skills like hand-eye coordination, physical strength, balance, spatial awareness, and attentiveness for safe off-road vehicle operation. Consequently, they recommended restricting the sale and marketing of off-road vehicles to individuals under 16 until proven safety modifications are in place.
Furthermore, the society suggested that provinces and territories should introduce training programs and a phased driver licensing system for off-road vehicles. Healthcare providers, including pediatricians, were encouraged to educate families on the significant risks associated with off-road vehicle use, even with youth-oriented models.
Severe injuries and fatalities associated with pediatric ATV accidents were linked to traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and crush-related trauma, which escalate with larger vehicle sizes. The society also recognized the prevalence of off-road vehicle use in remote regions, farms, and Indigenous activities, advising families to prioritize safety measures like avoiding paved roads, consistent helmet use, and adhering to vehicle passenger limits.
The Canadian Paediatric Society stressed the importance of safety and regulatory measures to mitigate risks and protect young riders engaging in off-road vehicle activities.
