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Describe specifically staff findings on the relationship between ATV use and ( i ) the use of alcohol and ( ii ) failure to wear protective gear . Describe specifically staff findings on the relative safety of 3 - wheel and 4 - wheel vehicles .

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Has the staff or any contractor concluded that the control techniques necessary for safe operation of an ATV are more complex than the skills required to operate an automobile or a motorcycle ?

Answer 2 ( a - e ) :

An all - terrain vehicle is a motorized machine intended to be ridden by one person and designed for off - road use , for recreational and other purposes . The majority of ATVS currently in use have three wheels in a tricycle configuration , although there is an increasing number of four wheel models available for sale to , and use by , consumers .

ATVs typically have gasoline - powered engines of between 50 and 250 cubic centimeter displacement . ATVs use broad , soft , low pressure tires . Most have no rear axle differential and have limited suspension systems . There is some variability between ATV models in the types of controls such as types of throttles , brakes and clutches , and in their location . The Commission is interested in obtaining information on whether standardization of controls , both with other ATVs and with motorcycles , may reduce the risk of injury .

The Commission staff estimates that by the end of 1985 , approxi mately 2 . 5 million ATVs will be available for use , based on an average product life expectancy of 7 to 8 years and on a normally distributed rate of product survival . As of 1985 , four firms may account for 95 % of all sales of ATVs in the United States . The Commission staff has also identified an additional 24 firms which may manufacture ATVs or ATV kits , although these firms account for only a small portion of sales in the United States .

Sales of ATVs have increased substantially since the mid - 1970 ' s . From 1980 to 1983 , sales more than tripled . The average rate of growth over this period was 55 % per year . While the number of sales increased sharply in 1984 , the percentage rate of growth slowed somewhat , to 24 % . Industry estimates put the 1985 rate of growth at 20 % .

The Commission estimates from its National Electronic Injury Surveillance System ( NEISS ) , that the number of hospital emergency room treated injuries associated with ATVs in 1984 was 66 , 956 . This is almost two and one - half times the number of injuries in the previous year ( 27 , 554 ) and more than seven times the number in 1982 ( 8 , 585 ) .

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