For International Women’s Day, Every Mom Deserves to Receive the Gift of Safety!

You must be deliberating carefully about what unique gift to give to the women who mean so much to you as the annual International Women’s Day approaches. Nothing is more priceless to a mother than the security and happiness of her children. More durable than any box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers are safety and peace of mind. Every mother wants their child to live a safe and healthy life while doing what they love.

The startling truth is that a third of all ATV-related fatalities and hospital ER injuries involve children. The majority of these incidents involve children operating or riding as passengers on an adult ATV. Injuries to minors operating adult ATVs are twice as likely than those to minors operating youth ATVs.

What can mothers do to prevent tragedies from occurring when their kids ride ATVs? Before allowing a child to operate any ATV, parents must make sure they have given them the appropriate training, supervision, and fit for the vehicle. So, in honor of all the wonderful mothers out there, TOBBI would like to share some important ATV safety advice to help you keep your kids safe.

The best way to help kids comprehend the risks associated with ATVs and teach them the skills and techniques necessary for a safe ride is through education and proper training. All drivers in Oregon are required to possess a current ATV Safety Education Card. The completion of practical training is also required for children under the age of 16.

Your child’s safety is greatly influenced by proper fit. Children operating ATVs in Oregon must undergo a Rider Fit evaluation before operating one. These physical specifications must be met in order for children under the age of 16 to operate an ATV.

Use these recommendations to ensure your child is properly fitted for operating the ATV with you.

• Brake Reach: Does the first joint from the tip of the middle finger extend past the brake lever when your child’s hand is in the standard operating position with its fingers extended straight out?
• Leg Length: Put your child’s feet on the pegs and have them sit on the ATV. Has he or she bent their knees at least 45 degrees? The kid’s thighs should be nearly parallel to the footrests.
• Grip Reach: Make sure your child is sitting straight on the ATV with his or her hands on the handlebars and is not slouching. Is the forearm’s angle with the upper arm clearly defined?
• Turning Reach: Is your child able to grip the handlebars firmly and operate the throttle and brake while turning the handlebars from lock to lock?

If the response to any of these questions was “No,” your child does not fit the ATV and should never operate one. Your child is suitable for the ATV if you said “Yes” to each of the questions.

Never forget to keep a close eye on your child while they are riding an ATV. In Oregon, anyone operating an ATV under the age of 16 must always be under the supervision of an adult.

Use the advice in this article to prevent your child from joining the list of ATV-related injuries. The gift of your child’s safety should be regarded as the best International Women’s Day gift for all moms to date.