Over Thanksgiving weekend, many ATV enthusiasts will take their large vehicles and go to the sand dunes or to tracks where they can ride. While ATVs can be a very enjoyable hobby, they can also be excessively dangerous. According to reports by the USCPSC, hundreds of ATV riders die or experience life altering injuries from incidents involving ATVs. The USCPSC recommends that all ATV riders follow safety guides every time that they ride. About 903 people died in accidents involving ATVs in the year 2006 alone. In 2009, research shows that there were about 131,900 emergency department-treated injuries involving ATVs.

Children are at a particular risk to injuries or death from ATV injuries. IN fact, children younger than 16 years old comprised about 17% of all of the 903 fatalities in 2006. Also, about 25% of the people injured in 2009 were children. This is why the CPSC recommends that children under the age of 16 only ride ATVs that are built for children. Also, all ATV riders are recommended to take an ATV safety course before operating their vehicle.

It is important to always wear a helmet and safety gear, such as boots and gloves, while on an ATV, and to never drive an ATV on a paved road. Drivers should only operate these vehicles when sober.