"Our position at Safe Kids Coalition and American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 16 not be allowed to operate ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) at all," said Safe-Kids Gainesville/Hall County Coordinator Kim Martin.
Martin went on to say that those 16 and younger are not developmentally capable of operating those heavy, complex machines and that this warning is being issued now because ATV use among children can increase during deer hunting season.
"You certainly wouldn't put a 12-year-old behind the wheer of a car and ask them to drive anywhere," Martin said.
She says that even though they make ATVs for kids under 16 years of age, it doesn't mean the vehicles are safe.
According to its website, Safe-Kids Gainesville/Hall County is one of more than 600 grassroots coalitions in 20 countries that bring together health and safety experts, educators, corporations, foundations, governments and volunteers to educate and protect families.
For more information, visit their website safekidsgainesvillehall.org.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/9/252971