ATV safety tips offered

Each year as the temperature rises, the reported number of all-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related incidents also increases. Although not even summer yet, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt has already seen close to 10 ATV trauma-related admissions since April of this year.

Always wear protective gear - especially a helmet - when riding ATVs. Head injuries are by far the leading cause of death and disability related to ATV crashes. Helmets are known to reduce head injuries by 85 percent. Wear a motorcycle or motorized sports helmet and make sure it is certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation or the Snell Memorial Foundation.

Avoid driving ATVs with a passenger or riding as a passenger. The majority of ATVs are designed to carry only one person.
Take a hands-on safety training course if one is available in your area.

For more information http://www.childrenshospital.vanderbilt.org/services.