Boys, 3 and 5, die in unsupervised ATV accident on rural road; safety, education should be promoted

Now that spring is here and schools will soon begin letting out for summer vacation, it might be a good time to remind readers of the dangers of riding ATVs and the precautions that should be taken to ensure that riders of all ages remain safe.

Two Northern California boys, ages 3 and 5, were killed on Sunday when an ATV they were riding alone and unsupervised on a rural road, drove into a pond, Gus Thomson reports for the Auburn Journal.

Last year 508 ATV fatalities were recorded, and 93—or 18 percent—involved children under 16, and 46—or 9 percent—involved children under the age of 12, says the Consumer Federation of America. Most of the 508 fatalities took place on roads, where dangers are increased because of vehicular traffic. Many riders also have not received training, don't wear a helmet, have too many people riding the vehicle or are on an ATV that's the wrong size. (Read more) (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety map: ATV deaths on public roads from 2007-11)