State-Specific ATV-Related Fatality Rates: An Update in the New Millennium

Abstract

Objectives. We compared state-specific all-terrain vehicle (ATV) fatality rates from 2000–2007 with 1990–1999 data, grouping states according to helmet, training, and licensure requirements. Methods. We used the CDC WONDER online database to identify ATV cases from 2000–2007 and calculate rates per 100,000 population by state, gender, and age. Results. ATV deaths ( n=7,231) occurred at a rate of 0.32 per 100,000 population. Males accounted for 86% of ATV-related deaths at a rate that was six times that for females (0.55 vs. 0.09 per 100,000 population, respectively); 60% of the male deaths occurred in the 15- to 44-year age group. With the exception of the two oldest age categories, rates were consistently higher in the no-helmet-law group. Both the number and rate of ATV-related deaths increased more than threefold between 1990–1999 and 2000–2007. West Virginia and Alaska continue to have the highest ATV fatality rates (1.63 and 2.67 ATV deaths per 100,000 population, respectively). Conclusions. Helmet-use requirements seem to slightly mitigate ATV-related death, but training requirements do not. For policy to be effective, it must be enforced.