AbstractIntroductionAlthough all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are very popular in rural areas for both recreation and work purposes, the epidemiology of agricultural ATV use remains largely unknown.MethodsFarm Progress Show attendees in 2012 (Boone, Iowa) and 2013 (Decatur, Illinois) were surveyed about ATVs, including riding behaviors, crash history, and safety knowledge. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed (N=635 surveys).ResultsOver half of those surveyed lived on a farm and more than 90% had ridden on an ATV. Sixty-one percent rode at least once a week and 39% reported riding almost daily. Males and respondents who lived on farms were significantly more likely to be ATV riders. Regarding unsafe behaviors, >80% of ATV users had ridden with a passenger, 66% had ridden on a public road, and nearly one-half never or almost never wore a helmet. Nearly 40% reported having been in a crash. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of adult respondent's data showed males and younger adults were both more likely to report having crashed. In addition, those reporting riding on public roads (but not having ridden with passengers) were nearly five times more likely and respondents who reported both riding on public roads and having ridden with passengers were approximately eight times more likely to have been in a crash as compared to those not reporting these unsafe behaviors. Safety knowledge did not necessarily correspond with safer behaviors; 80% who knew there should be no passengers on an ATV still had ridden with extra riders.ConclusionATV use is prevalent in rural populations and most riders report engaging in unsafe riding behaviors.Practical applicationsThese findings may be used to inform ATV safety education and training programs targeted toward agricultural communities, with the goal of reducing occupational ATV-related deaths and injuries and their substantial economic costs.
HighlightsOver 90% of survey participants at a large agricultural fair had ridden on an ATV.The vast majority reported having engaged in one or more unsafe riding behaviors.Nearly 40% of those who had ridden on an ATV reported having been in a crash.Unsafe riding behaviors were strongly associated with having been in a crash.Safety knowledge was not always associated with safe riding behavior.
All-terrain vehicle safety knowledge, riding behaviors and crash experience of Farm Progress Show attendees
Journal of Safety Research ; 60 ; 71-78
2016-12-08
8 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
aOR , adjusted odds ratio , ATV , all-terrain vehicle , CI , confidence intervals , NIOSH , National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health , OR , unadjusted odds ratio , USDA , United States Department of Agriculture , All-terrain vehicles , Occupational safety , Injury prevention , Agriculture , Safety training