In 2008, 74 children under sixteen in Arkansas were fatally injured while operating an ATV in Arkansas. This number may not seem big, but it essentially means that roughly six Arkansas families lost a child each month during 2008. Can you imagine what it would be like to have someone ripped from you at a cruel and untimely hour when it all could have been prevented? Those 74 deaths accounted for merely 18% of the total deaths for all ages in our state, meaning there were over 411 deaths in Arkansas during 2008.
Since traumatic brain injuries account for over 34% of all deaths annually in the United States, it is time for us, as Arkansans, to take a stand and start protecting ourselves. Arkansas has no helmet law for ATV operators. In fact, there are no protective guidelines required at all in our state whatsoever. This fact promotes nothing but recklessness, especially since twelve-year-olds are permitted to ride without adult supervision within our state.What to consider when selecting an ATV helmet: v It should fit snugly and not move around when you move your head. v The jaw portion should also be snug when you have it on. v An off-road/ motocross type helmet is also ideal for ATVs and recommended above open-face models. v There should be plenty of padding fitting around, but not touching your ear. v There should be a “neck roll” nestled against the back of your head and neck. v Ideally, this should be DOT or SNELL certified. v Since the hard foam inside or EPS is what actually absorbs the force and impact, the more the helmet has, the better. v Lightweight helmets can help reduce neck fatigue, so look for one that is lightweight. |  |
