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Third , while some safety precautions are available such as hel mets , protective clothing , engine cutoffs and so forth , to our knowl edge there are no regulations mandating their use .

Fourth , and perhaps of greatest concern , is the public perception of these vehicles as safe , or at least safer than two - wheelers . And the data clearly demonstrates that is not the case .

Many pediatricians and other primary care physicians engage routinely in something called anticipatory guidance by promoting safety while riding bicycles and skateboards , operating go - carts , mopeds and motorcycles , and even driving automobiles for some of the older patients . We believe there is great need for similar coun seling regarding the use of ATV ' s . Areas to be addressed include the need for adult supervision , appropriate minimum age require ments for operators , restriction of the number of passengers per ve hicle , use of protective clothing , appropriate operator training , and strict avoidance of public roads and hazardous off - road terrain .

Risk - taking activities such as popping wheelies , jumping over ob stacles and ground depressions , dodging other vehicles , the use of alcoholic beverages while riding , or riding in the dark must also be discouraged . We encourage comprehensive data collection by appro priate agencies , so lawmakers like yourselves will have adequate information for making decisions concerning operator age limits , necessary safety precautions , possible engineering modifications of the vehicle design to improve their safety , requiring operator in struction , or to decide whether sales for recreational use should be limited or restricted . Thank you .

[ The prepared statement of Dr . Fine follows : ]