Increase in ATV injuries triggers questions on their safety

A new study says that all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and the injuries incurred driving them have resulted in an average of 19 people a day ending up in hospital emergency departments (ED) in Ontario.

The researchers from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) say the injury toll has climbed dramatically in less than a decade.

In an analysis on the number of hospitalizations related to ATV accidents the researchers found that hospitalizations related to ATV accidents increased 25 per cent from 1996-1997 to 2004-2005.

Both doctors and emergency workers say there has been a major increase this summer in ATV accident patients, and they are mainly in young adults and adolescents; they say teenagers and young adults have the highest risk of injury

The report says most hospitalizations caused by accidents on off-road vehicles and snowmobiles involve multiple injuries and as many as one in five ATV -related hospitalizations involve injuries to the head, while those admitted for a snowmobile-related injury are more likely to suffer from a fractured vertebra, rib or sternum.

The vast majority of all ED visits were by males (80%) and occurred during the months of January to March for snowmobiles and July to September for ATVs.

In those cases where blood-alcohol concentration was recorded, 27% of these severe injury ATV incidents involved alcohol levels above the legal limit of .08%.

Alcohol use above the legal limit was a factor in 23% of specialized trauma unit admissions for snowmobiling incidents and 28% of incidents involving off-road vehicles.

Of those injured with alcohol levels above the legal limit, 94% were the drivers.

Trauma experts say the figures in the report are no surprise and an examination is needed into whether ATVs and snowmobiles are safe for recreational activities in Canada and whether they present an acceptable risk.

Head and spinal injuries are particularly devastating and costly to the health-care system as well as the individuals and their families.

The study shows that in addition to the injuries incurred, between 140 and 180 Canadians are killed each year in ATVs and snowmobile accidents.

CIHI's analysis also examined legislation across provinces and territories surrounding the use of ATVs, and found differences in age restrictions and protective equipment requirements between jurisdictions.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available.