AIMAN INAM

HOUSTON: Kids under the age of 16 who ride All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) without wearing helmet are prone to skull concerns and adverse upper body syndromes, found out researchers.

The study author from the University of Texas Health Science Center, Dr. Kelly Hagedorn noted: “I believe that many parents are unaware of how serious ATV-related injuries can be. Some parents view ATVs as being more similar to bicycles. However, many of the injury patterns are more similar to those sustained in motor vehicle collisions.”

ATVs are mechanical entertaining vehicles with three or four tires. It is designed for off-road use. They can weigh 300 to 400 pounds and travel with the velocity of around 75 miles an hour. Due to its speed, a number of severe accidents together with crashes, rollovers and ejections have been reported.

Commenting on this further, another investigator from the University Of Iowa Carver College Of Medicine, Gerene Denning held: “As ATVs have gotten bigger and heavier, riders have a harder time separating from the vehicle in a crash.

“The increasing size and weight of ATVs leads to more cases of the vehicle striking the rider. There is also a growing trend of riders being pinned by the vehicle, which can lead to compression asphyxia, a condition where the body doesn’t get enough oxygen.”

The most widespread chest injuries include pulmonary contusion or bruising of the lung that could end up to expensive medical treatment.

The major cause of such damages was rollover that accounted for 43 percent, collision 20 percent and falls up to 16 percent. 

Experts here have urged youngsters to put their helmets and be careful regarding the speed while driving. Besides, being a self regulatory influence, parents should keep an eye on their kids.