ATV crashes are one of the top three causes of injury and death among farm children. Since 2020, more than 43 children younger than 16 have been killed while riding ATVs on farms.
The Ag. Safety lab at the University of California at Davis is working to make ATVs safer for children. With a new five-year project funded through the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, with support from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), UC Davis researchers are identifying the causes of fatal crashes and will make practical recommendations on how to prevent these incidents.
Fadi Fathallah, a professor and associate director of the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety points out that: “This is a critical project to better understand the physical factors that contribute to serious injuries and fatalities among youths who operate ATVs”.
How can you help? Supporters are needed!
- If you are an ATV owner, you can support the UC Davis team by allowing them to collect information on your ATV(s)
- Collecting this information consists of measuring the dimensions of ATV features (e.g., length and width of ATV seat, distance from brake pedal to throttle lever) and the forces required to activate the ATV controls (i.e., brakes, switches, and levers)
- Nothing on the ATV will be taken apart
- All measurements are very simple and non-destructive
- All personnel involved has completed ATV safety training requirements
How can you show your support?
- Send a text to (530) 400-3721 OR simply click here to know more about the project
- Provide your contact information and someone from the Ag. Safety lab will contact you
- Your information is secure and will not be shared with any individual or organization
- Your cooperation will be rewarded with a $25 Amazon gift card
- If desired, your cooperation will be acknowledged at the UC Davis Ag. Safety lab website
Have any questions?
- Please contact the UC Davis team via phone or email gdemoura@ucdavis.edu or fkhorsandi@ucdavis.edu (530) 400-3721 (Gui)
Thank you for considering our request to help protect children riding ATVs. We hope you are able to help.
