UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Many farmers are very aware of the dangers involved when children operate tractors and other large equipment, but a safety expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences says motorized vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles can be just as risky.

"Many farmers use ATVs to perform loading and hauling chores in smaller spaces where a tractor would be inconvenient," says Dennis Murphy, professor of agricultural engineering. "The vehicles can range from three- and four-wheel vehicles that operate much like a motorcycle, to 4-wheel-drive vehicles that resemble golf carts."

Before allowing children to operate ATVs, adults must make sure that:

-- children under age 12 are never allowed to operate a three-wheeled ATV;

-- an approved helmet with eye protection is worn by the child;

-- engine size is appropriate for children between 12 and 15 to drive;

-- children do not operate the vehicle in bad weather or at night; o the child wears long pants, non-skid boots, gloves and a long-sleeved shirt;

-- the child can communicate with adults by cellular phone, walkie talkie or by other methods;

-- the work area has no hazards, and the child knows a safe route to the work site.

"Adults also need to take time to test whether children can reach and operate all controls," Murphy says. "The child also should be strong enough to operate the vehicle's controls without straining."

Murphy says children operating ATVs must be able to recognize hazards, react quickly to solve problems and solve problems without getting upset.

"Before allowing a child to drive an ATV, an adult should demonstrate the farm chore on the site where it is to be done," Murphy explains. "If the child shows he or she can do the job four or five times under supervision, then they can be allowed to work alone, although an adult should check back every 15 minutes.

" Murphy says overturns in an ATV can cause death or disability, and inattentive drivers can suffer serious injuries by hitting fences, trees or structures. He emphasizes that children driving ATVs should have a high level of physical coordination.

"The child should be able to use their hands and feet at the same time," Murphy says. "A good test is dribbling a basketball under control while running."

Penn State offers a free publication, "Children and Safety on the Farm," that shows parents and others how to make farms safer for children. Single copies are available free of charge by contacting your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office, or by calling the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Distribution Center at 814-865-6713.

Parents or other interested professionals can buy booklets of six to 10 posters covering similar agricultural tasks or a professional resource manual by calling Gempler's, a Belleville, Wis., safety supply company, at 1-800-382-8473, or by visiting its Web site: http://www.gemplers.com.

###

EDITORS: For more information, contact Dennis Murphy, please call 814-865-7157.

Contacts: John Wall jtw3@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax