The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts strongly supports this bill because of our concern about major injuries and deaths incurred by children driving all-terrain vehicles (ATV).

There is an ATV crisis in America today that poses a major threat to the health and well-being of our children. Every year over 136,000 Americans are injured or die from ATV accidents. One-third of these victims are children. Kids make up 15% of ATV drivers but incur 40% of ATV injuries and 28% of ATV deaths.

In 2004-2005 (the most recent complete data set) there were 935 pediatric ATV injuries in Massachusetts. 309 (33%) required surgery; 206 (22%) required intensive care. Hospital charges in Massachusetts in this time period for pediatric ATV injuries were over $2 million. 35 children received injuries classified as severe, meaning the child will require care for the rest of her/his life (@ $4 million per child).

Under current law, kids are not allowed to operate a car or motorcycle until they are at least 16. However, they are allowed to operate any ATV at any age without adult supervision. As you can see, the results are tragic, as well as predictable. On many levels, kids lack the skills to handle these vehicles. Compared to adults, they have decreased emotional maturity, decreased motor skills, decreased depth perception, and decreased strength. ATV’s are too heavy, too unstable, too powerful, and too unwieldy to be operated by children.

S. 2257 requires drivers younger than 19 years of age to successfully complete a recreational vehicle safety and responsibility course, with parents of drivers under 16 required to complete a similar course. Children 14-16 years of age would be limited to operating vehicles with an engine equal to or less than 90 cc. and only with adult supervision.

In addition, the bill requires registration of these vehicles, addresses other safety measures (e.g. wearing a helmet) and environmental issues, and establishes penalties for violations of components of the bill, which limits the financial impact on the state budget.

The League of Women Voters has a long history of advocating for public safety and for children’s health; therefore, we strongly urge you to approve this bill for presentation to the full House.