for youngsters " , to 405 . 7 lbs . Even the " child special " models outweigh , by far , most child passengers , adding great potential for crush injury . Of the . four - wheel models reviewed , weight ranged from 106 lbs . to 434 lbs .

There is little or no information available on the top speeds that can be

ve

e

achieved by ATVS We examined . None of the 14 manufacturers ' brochures listed actual top speeds for these vehicles . Letters of inquiry written to customer

relations departments of three major ATV manufacturers concerning this subject

failed to produce any useful information .

Two of the models reviewed had

speedometers marked to 70 mph .

Several sales representatives indicated that

speeds in the 30 - 40 mph range were possible . On some of the smaller models , there are speed - limiting governor type devices and at least one manufacturer has a " cord - type " device that an adult can control ( from a distance ) to cut power to the engine .

Despite the fact unmodified ATVs are restricted to off - road use by law , this has not precluded their appearance on public highways . Off - road use , however , raises its own unique concerns . Advertisements depict the " sport " of rough terrain driving - cover uneven ground , inclines or hills , sand dunes , snow fields , and through streams - - on a machine of significant weight with a

over uneven

Snow

potentially unstable triangular base .

Off road use implies moving at high

speeds through uncleared areas with overhanging obstacles , the risks of which were clearly demonstrated in one of our patients who broke his neck when he ran into a guidewire .

Television and brochure advertisements for these vehicles promote their use by children , particularly as joint parent / child activities . For example , father is

e

Page 6 of 10