Recreational Vehicle Safety
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued policy statements on children using snowmobiles, personal watercraft (“jet skis”), and all-terain vehicles and off-road vehicles (ATVs or ORVs). While these vehicles can be fun to use, they do require skill and judgment to operate safely. The AAP recommends that no children under age 16 drive these vehicles. Other considerations for different types of vehicles are:
- Snowmobiles:
- A disproportionate number of snowmobile accidents happen to kids, especially boys.
- Common causes of death and emergency room visits are: head injury, drowning, fractured legs, frostbite, hypothermia, and hearing loss.
- When snowmobiling, wear protective clothing—helmet, goggles and boots.
- Snowmobilers should travel in groups of two or more, and stick to designated trails.
- Do not operate a snowmobile if you have been drinking alcohol.
- Be familiar with this chart of windchill factor and frostbite times from the National Weather Service.
- This snowmobiles and youth safety packet has great resources for parents, educators, and other child advocates.
- Snowmobiling in Michigan, from the state of Michigan, includes information on safety courses.
- Jet Skis (personal watercraft or PWCs):
- Jet skis/PWCs steer and operate differently than most vehicles. They do not steer if you are slowing down. You cannot avoid an obstacle by cutting the throttle—you need to maintain your speed and steer away from it.
- Most injuries result from running into docks, other watercraft, or tree stumps.
- Most injuries occur to riders with little experience operating a jet ski.
- Jet skis/PWCs are much more likely to cause injury or death than boats.
- All riders should wear US Coast Guard approved life jackets.
- All riders should have attended a safe boater course that includes instruction on using jet skis.
- Do not use a jet ski/PWC if you have been drinking alcohol.
- Be familiar with boating basics and laws. In Michigan, be familiar with the Michigan boating handbook, especially the section on personal watercraft.
- All-Terrain Vehicles and Off-Road Vehicles (ATVs and ORVs):
- ATVs/ORVs include 2-, 3-, and 4-wheeled vehicles.
- According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): "Too many ATV riders—young and old—are dying or experiencing life altering injuries from incidents involving ATVs." The CPSC recommends that all ATV riders follow seven safety tips every time they ride.
- Consider this: Is your child ready to ride?
- Take a training course before riding ATVs.
- Wear protective clothing and equipment—including helmet, pants, boots, and gloves.
- Only ride in daylight.
- Do not carry passengers.
- Do not ride on paved roads.
- Do not operate an ATV if you have been drinking alcohol.
- This ATV safety packet has lots of great resources for parents and educators, and other child advocates.
- Press Release: ATV Injuries and Deaths Continue to Affect America's Families
- Read the report: ATV Safety Crisis: America’s Children Still at Risk
- Michigan has age restrictions for ORV operation.
- Find out how your child can attend ORV safety classes in Michigan. Select “ORV” for Class Type in the drop-down menu at the top of the page.
- Be familiar with Michigan’s ORV laws.
Where can I find more information on recreational safety?
- YourChild: Sports Safety
- YourChild: Winter Sports Safety
- YourChild: Sledding Safety
- YourChild: Playground and Outdoor Play Safety
- YourChild: Hunting and Shooting Sports Safety
Compiled by Kyla Boyse, R.N. Reviewed by faculty and staff at the University of Michigan
Updated October 2009
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