In some states, even if a kid doesn't have a license to drive, he or she is required to take an ATV safety class and wear protective gear such as helmets and goggles before they are even allowed to step into the machine. West Virginia is one state that recently enacted this law as twenty-seven children suffered kids atv related fatalities in 2003.

If you are not sure where to turn in terms of educating your child when it comes to kids atv safety, try phoning your local chapter of 4H. The 4-H youth group has a nationwide 4-h Community ATV Safety Program that helps keep atv kids safe. They conduct workshops with both children and adults that cover such topics as proper gear, the rules of the road and riding techniques. The 4-H group's often heard mantra is "Always wear a helmet before you get into an ATV."

As most kids ATV's is small, light and designed for one person it is a good idea to advise your child to always ride solo. They are just not equipped to handle two passengers safely. Also advise your kid to never pick up strangers who are trying to hitch a ride.

Riders of kid atvs are also advised to stay away from paved roads and highways and to operate the atv on dirt trails and other appropriate unpaved surfaces. Riding on the shoulder of a road or alongside a ditch at the side of a road is also a dangerous and hazardous practice.

It is also crucial to make sure your kids ATV fits the size and strength of your child. There are many popular atv's that are designed especially for kids produced by top of the line manufacturers. This includes the 2005 E-Ton Viper, which features smaller tires and a short distance to the floorboard and retails for about $1500. The Viper has a two-stroke engine. For roughly a $1000 more you can buy the 2005 E-Ton Yukon which features a more powerful 4-stroke engine with the reverse gear that is missing from most kids atvs.

When it comes to kids atvs, probably the very best thing you can do to ensure the safety of your child is to make sure that they are fully educated about all aspects of operating an ATV. This includes safety, gear and the rules of the road. The best way to do this is to have your child take an approved kids ATV safety course from a certified instructor. To find out where your nearest 4-H kids ATV Safety Program is being conducted go to www.atv-youth.org.

Related Articles: