The 2014 Annual Report of ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicates a decline in reported deaths and injuries resulting from ATV incidents, especially in the last 10 years. The improved numbers could rejuvenate a relatively flat ATV sales market in the USA from 2012 to 2014.
The 29-page report was released February 25, 2016 using data from 1982 through 2014 that was delineated into three distinct periods:
- 1982 – 1998: from the first year the CPSC reported ATV-related deaths, transitioning to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ICD-10 classification of mortality data
- 1999 – 2011: ending with the most recent complete year of death data collection
- 2012 – 2014: the period of ongoing mortality data collection by the CPSC
Early on, the CPSC’s ability to garner accurate information was limited by the widespread application of the ICD-9 coding system where “it is possible that adult deaths were underreported during the period 1982 to 1998.” It is believed most of those deaths were associated with three-wheel ATVs which were common at the time.
Recent statistics have improved significantly. There were 833 fatalities in 2007 while estimates indicate “665 ATV-related deaths in 2012 and 650 in 2013.” Non-fatal injuries have also improved, from “an estimated 150,900 in 2007 to 93,700 in 2014.” Sadly, children younger than 16 years of age represent 25% of all ATV deaths and injuries. Consequently, the CPSC recommends the following safety guidelines:
- Never let children ride ATVs that are meant for adults.
- Make sure children wear a helmet and other protective gear that fits appropriately.
- Do not drive ATVs on paved roads.
- Do not drive ATVs with a passenger or ride as a passenger.
- Always wear a helmet and other protective gear such as eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
The report was released with the hope CPSC safety reminders would better prepare ATV users for the 2016 riding season. In conjunction with improved statistics, these guidelines enable ATV dealers to properly advise consumers who rely on their expertise to make the best buying decisions.
Using CrossCheck's Multiple Check service, ATV dealers can further advise their customers about intelligent buying decisions. Checks are approved at the point of sale in seconds via terminal, phone or the web before being deposited in the bank. You then set up a payment plan with the customer to pay off the account within 30 days. It's not financing; there is no credit check; and we guarantee the revenue to you, the dealer.