Jul 31, 2008

The Douglas County Health Department in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services’ Maternal Child Health Services has been doing surveys in the community to determine ATV safety riding gear use and frequency of supervision when children grades kindergarten through grade 6 are riding ATVs. The April 2008 survey of the parents of 54 K-6th grade Douglas County children showed: 61% of the children rode ATVs. 19% of the children rode 3-7 times weekly. 9% of the children rode 1-4 times monthly. 78% of the children who rode ATVs used helmets for head protection. 66% of the children who rode ATVs used long pants to protect their legs. 54% of the children who rode ATVs used long sleeves to protect their arms. 18% of the children who rode ATVs wore over the ankle boots. 85% of the children who rode ATVs were supervised at all times and the other 15% were supervised every 30 minutes. The Health Department is working with community partners, which include Missouri University Extension, Missouri Highway Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff's Department, Ozark Mountain ATV Raceway, and St. John’s Hospital, to increase awareness of ATV Safety to the parents of children in the community. Watch for further ATV safety related activities, encourage participation and help make our community a safer place to live and play. If you would like to participate in this project please contact Michelle Shotts or Glenna Young at 417-683-4174.