All-terrain vehicles: Safety tips for families

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are motorized vehicles with three or four wheels and large, low-pressure tires. They are designed to be used by a single operator in off-road areas, not on public roads. They can weigh up to 272 kg (600 lbs). ATVs are not safe for children and young teenagers, who don't have the strength or skill to handle them properly. Still, many kids do use them, especially in rural or remote areas. And each year, many children and youth are seriously injured or even killed while riding an ATV. This fact sheet is designed to help parents learn more about ATVs, so that they can keep their children and youth safe.