ATV Deaths Rise, Safety Tips Before Jumping On

Nationally, more than 150,000 people are rushed to emergency rooms across the country for ATV related injuries, this according to the latest numbers from the United States Consumer Product Safety report. These recreation vehicles aren't toys, in fact they're subject to state laws.

For hunting and fishing enthusiast Lev Bradford, ATV's aren't just useful but big business at Bradford Marine and ATV. 

"ATV's are a very larger portion of our business, we've been selling ATV's since 1998 and it's grown basically every year for us," says Bradford.

With the growth in popularity of these four wheelers comes a spike in injuries. Since 1998, the number of ATV related injuries nationwide has doubled according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Bradford says ATV makers offer detailed safety instructions, that he encourages parents and all first time riders to review.

"If you just let someone get on an ATV that's not legal to get on it, you're asking for trouble," says Bradford.

As the nursing supervisor at UAMS' ICU, Celeste Bryson has made it a point to warn students at Arkansas schools about ATV injuries, many she's seen first hand.

"ATV's can be very dangerous. In fact, Arkansas has some of the highest injury rates for ATV accidents for kiddos under the age of 16," says Bryson.

"We're talking about spinal cord injuries we're talking about long lasting injuries that are very serious," continues Bryson.

Though Bradford has had decades of experience he understands safety is key, admitting he's even gotten hurt.

"I have but it was my fault more than anything, you got to just pay attention and you got to watch what's coming at you,"  says Bradford.

In Arkansas, no one under age 12 can drive an ATV without an adult. It's also illegal to use an ATV on city streets or highways. There are exceptions for when you're hunting and farming. Also, just like other vehicles, it's illegal to drive an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.