PEDIATRICS Vol. 115 No. 4 April 2005, pp. 1087 (doi:10.1542/peds.2005-0061)
COMMENTARY |
Motorized Vehicles for Children: A New Public Health Problem
Department of Surgery
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05401
Abbreviations: ATV, all-terrain vehicle
Pomerantz et al1 have added to the expanding literature showing the severe public health issue created by children using motor vehicles. Numerous authors have shown the dangers of children operating motorized vehicles for decades, yet authorities are slow to mandate age limits, safety measures (helmets, etc), and training (licenses). The Pomerantz et al article only describes 2-wheeled vehicles, but the problem relates to all sorts of motorized vehicles that are available to children at younger and younger ages. Manufacturers now again are producing 3-wheeled all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) after a self-imposed embargo despite the inherent instability of that vehicle, particularly in off-road situations. Four-wheeled ATVs, snowmobiles, and watercraft are now manufactured in "children’s sizes" and marketed to ever-decreasing age groups. The numbers of children injured and killed annually by these vehicles are astounding. In a population base of 
1 million, we see 2 deaths per year and countless major injuries.
Pomerantz et al correctly observe that utilization of some safety features such as helmets improve the safety of these vehicles, and that has been observed by other authors as well. Authorities are slow in creating safety regulations for these vehicles, and as pointed out in the Pomerantz et al article, many states have no regulations at all, particularly when these machines are used off-road. Manufacturers will continue to produce these "toys" as long as there is a market for them; there will be a market as long as the populace does not assign liability to the manufacturer. One could ask where individual responsibility lies in this issue. Are state governments responsible? Children and teenagers are inherent risk takers and lack the maturity to operate motor vehicles safely. In general, states recognize this fact and restrict the operation of automobiles to adolescents >16 years old, and in many states operators at that age even have additional restrictions placed on their licenses. Why, then, is it okay for a 5- or 6-year-old to operate an ATV, motorcycle, snowmobile, or personal watercraft? One should ask why parents allow children to use these machines. The American Academy of Pediatrics has correctly identified this issue and has taken a stand against the operation of these vehicles by children <16 years old. Behavior will only change with education of our legislators and parents. The Pomerantz et al article adds to the growing plethora of information for practitioners to share with their patients and their families.
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FOOTNOTES |
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Accepted Jan 27, 2005.
Address correspondence to Dennis W. Vane, MD, MBA, Department of Surgery, University of Vermont, 111 Colchester Ave, Fletcher 460, Burlington, VT 05401. E-mail: dennis.vane{at}vtmednet.org
No conflict of interest declared.
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REFERENCE |
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 TOP REFERENCE |
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- Pomerantz W, Gittleman M, Smith G. No license required: severe pediatric motorbike-related injuries in Ohio.
Pediatrics. 2005;115
:704
–709
[Abstract/Free Full Text]
PEDIATRICS (ISSN 1098-4275). ©2005 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
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