Playing any sport can mean a chance of injury. However, many injuries can be prevented by using the proper safety gear.

When you are buying sports equipment , choosing the right safety equipment could mean the difference between a healthy life, severe injury, or even death for your child. The most important gift is keeping your child safe while on wheels or on the slopes.

ATVs

  • ATV-related deaths and injuries have gone up as bigger and faster all-terrain vehicles have become available.
  • ATV deaths and injuries commonly occur due to rollovers, collisions with non-moving objects and falls from the vehicle.
  • ATVs are difficult to operate and children under the age of 16 do not have the mental and physical capabilities to operate them safely in all situations.
  • Children under the age of 16 who are riding on ATVs are four times more likely than older operators to be taken to the emergency room because of an injury.
  • Safe Kids recommends that children under the age of 16 NEVER ride or operate an ATV of any size, including youth-sized machines.
  • 670 children, ages 19 and under, are seen in Utah emergency rooms each year because of ATV injuries.
  • Purchase a Department of Transportation approved helmet rated for motorized use, over-the-ankle boots, goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirt and long pants.

Snow Skiing and Snow Boarding

  • About 40 kids are taken to the emergency room each year because of snowmobile crashes.
  • About 22 percent of ski and snow board injuries are serious enough to cause loss of consciousness or a concussion.
  • More than 50 percent of snow sport related injuries among children 14 and under can be prevented by the use of a helmet. These injuries include damage to the top of the head, the back of the head, the forehead and the side of the head above the ear.
  • The use of ski and snow board helmets will reduce the risk of head injury on the slopes.
  • When shopping for a helmet, your first priority is FIT.

Bike and wheeled sports

  • Children riding bikes, scooters, skateboards and inline skates should only ride on sidewalks and paths until age 10.
  • Bikes are vehicles, not toys. The rider should be able to demonstrate riding skills and that they know the rules of the road before riding there.
  • The best thing you can do to protect your child while riding on a bike is to encourage them to wear a helmet that fits right. Do NOT negotiate.
  • The first body part to fly forward in a bicycle collision is usually the head.
  • Helmets should be comfortable and snug, centered on the top of the head and buckled. Helmets for bikes should have more coverage in the front of the head.
  • Helmets for scooters should be approved by the Department of Transportation for motorized use. Include elbow and knee pads.
  • For skateboards and inline skates, buy a helmet with more coverage in the rear of the head. Include elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards.

NO HELMET CAN PREVENT ALL HEAD INJURIES. Even in very low-speed accidents, serious injuries can happen. For maximum protection the helmet must be fitted and attached properly to the wearer’s head.