| "Since its introduction in the 1960s, the ATV has | | | | by just one person at a time, so never let your child |
| evolved to become not only a very effective farm | | | | have somebody ride with him/her on the same ATV |
| tool but also a popular outdoor recreational vehicle. The | | | | or dirt bike. This affects the vehicle's balance and |
| thrill the sport brings plus the proliferation of stores that | | | | increases the risk of an accident happening. |
| sell cheap dirt bikes and ATVs have meant that it is | | | | § Never let them ride on public roads-not only is |
| now common to see parents buy dirt bikes and ATVs | | | | this illegal in most areas, it is also very, very dangerous |
| for their young kids. | | | | as well. |
| Despite the fact that we regularly see other seven or | | | | § Always ensure that your kids wear all the |
| eight year olds riding them almost effortlessly, | | | | proper protective gear like gloves, goggles, boots, |
| irresponsible riding of dirt bikes and ATVs could cause | | | | jackets and most importantly, helmets. Also, remember |
| injuries to your child. In the U.S. for example, a U.S. | | | | that there are safety equipments designed especially |
| Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that | | | | for riding ATVs and dirt bikes and those used by your |
| 4 out of 10 people rushed to emergency rooms for | | | | kids for other activities, most often than not, offer |
| ATV-related injuries are aged 16 and below. | | | | inadequate protection (e.g. the helmets used for |
| Fortunately, parents can keep their children free from | | | | bicycling for example, do not offer protection for the |
| injuries stemming from the use of dirt bikes and ATVs | | | | face). |
| by simply following simple safety rules. Here are some | | | | § Be sure that the size and speed of the ATV or |
| of them: | | | | dirt bike your kid rides on is appropriate for their age. It |
| § Before your child even goes near an ATV or a | | | | is recommended that those age 6-11 ride vehicles |
| dirt bike, be sure to give him or her lessons on how to | | | | under 70cc while those aged 12-15 should ride 70-90 |
| properly and safely handle the machines. When | | | | cc engines. |
| teaching them how to ride, be sure that they | | | | § Never let the younger kids ride out alone. |
| understand how driving a dirt bike is different from | | | | Always have an adult, riding on another vehicle of |
| riding an ordinary bicycle and that however fun they | | | | course, supervise them to ensure their safety. |
| are, dirt bikes and ATVs are not toys but machines to | | | | Some question whether buying kids dirt bikes and |
| be handles with care. | | | | ATVs is a wise idea. Yes, these vehicles are powerful |
| § Tell them how laws (e.g. no riding of ATVs on | | | | machines whose misuse could lead to accidents and |
| highways) were created for a reason and then | | | | injuries, but as long as they are driven responsibly and |
| emphasize how he needs to follow them strictly for his | | | | precautionary measures are taken, ATVs and dirt |
| or her safety. Make sure you familiarize your kids with | | | | bikes are safe to use. |
| all the laws related to riding the vehicles. | | | | Maraya Mullen is a copywriter affiliated with Mud, |
| § Always check the condition of your kids' ATV | | | | Sweat and Gears, a store that offers a wide variety |
| or dirt bike before you let him or her ride it. Make sure | | | | of dirt bikes and ATVs. They have ATVs and mini |
| that there is enough gas on the tank, the brakes are | | | | kids dirt bikes for young riders as well as powerful |
| working, the tires are filled with the proper amount of | | | | adult motorcycles. Visit their site for more information |
| air and the lights are functioning. | | | | on how you could get cheap dirt bikes and ATVs. |
| § Dirt bikes and ATVs were meant to be ridden | | | | |