Studies at the end of 2007 show that mini ATV use is increasing among young people, and injuries caused by mini ATVs is down for the fourth year in a row. How can that be? There are a few reasons that this can be happening, not that anybody is complaining, but it is good to know how to keep the trend going.

Laws

Newer and stricter laws are popping up in states around the country that force kids to wear helmets and put limits on where they are allowed to ride their mini ATVs. Not everybody likes the new laws but the statistics say that they are working to keep serious injuries down, and statistics don’t lie.

Safety gear

The manufacturers of mini ATV safety gear are always working to make new and better gear for the kids in order to keep them safe while riding their mini ATVs. It used to be, not very long ago, that you couldn’t easily find safety gear to fit a six year old rider, but those times have changed and it is easier than ever to keep your six year old safe.

Education

While it is ultimately up to the parents to teach their children to be safe when riding mini ATVs, the public education that is available and in your face on television and in pamphlets around the country are invaluable. These resources teach proper safety techniques, tell about the current mini ATV laws, and teach about the importance of riding safely.

Parents

Parents can’t, and don’t count on the public education resources to do their job. Parents are learning from the public education resources, too, and using that knowledge and better understanding of mini ATV safety to pass along to the children. But parents are aware that it is their job to give the kids the proper training, and to provide them with the proper tools to stay safe. Parents are obviously stepping up to the plate – the statistics don’t lie.

Kids

Kids are smarter than ever these days, and more responsible. We have to give kids credit where credit is due. You can teach a kid until you are blue in the face about how to ride mini ATVs safely, but if the kids aren’t listening they will get hurt. Since the kids aren’t getting hurt as often, then they must be listening and you have to give Kudos for that!