Most units are sold for recreational use. In recent years, their popularity and sales have soared. CPSC's injury statistics have indicated a dramatic increase in injuries and deaths associated with ATVs during the 1982-85 period and a continued high number of injuries and deaths in 1986. The CPSC estimates that the number of ATV-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms rose from 8,600 in 1982 to 86,400 in 1986.
Children are a particularly vulerable population.
Almost half of the injured persons were also under 16 years of age. The average risk of injury from ATV riding is high. In 1986, about 11 percent of the persons treated in hospital emergency rooms were hospitalized. The majority of accidents occurred when the ATV overturned after hitting a terrain irregularity or obstacle, or while turning or traversing a slope. This is because typically they lack adequate physical size and strength, cognitive abilities, motor skills and perception to operate a motor vehicle safety.