168

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resources

sufficient basis for the Canmission ' s decision to pursue its ATV investigation at an expeditious pace and with a heavy commitment of resources in Fiscal Years 1985 and 1986 fand , possibly , beyond FY 1986 ) , much of it is " off - the - shelf " and not yet subjected to detailed analysis . Consequently , additional data , changes in circumstances , and further testing and analysis may alter these preliminary impressions - - revealing a far better or worse state of affairs than now appears . This , of course , would result in assessment or

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rs

Course ,

assess

reassessment of both the risks presented by use of ATVs and the

appropriate Commission role in addressing those risks . Thus , in this fluid situation , my remarks today are not intended to be , and should not be , taken as an indication of any predisposition with respect to

re

the outcome of this investigation .

RISKS OF INJURY AND DEATH ASSOCIATED WITH ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES

Based on current information , the Commission is confronted with an unprecedented emerging hazard with respect to the rapid escalation of deaths and injuries associated with use of all terrain vehicles .

As of May 8 , 1985 , the Commission has received reports that 161 deaths associated with the use of ATVs have occurred since 1982 . The Commission is currently aware of 17 deaths in 1982 , 51 deaths in 1983 , 69 deaths in 1984 , and 24 deaths in 1985 . What makes these numbers

even more alarming is the high percentage of children ' s deaths

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associated with ATVS . An analysis of available data suggests that nearly 45 percent of the reported ATV - related deaths involve children 15 years of age and younger ; over 27 percent involve children 12 years of age and younger ; and nearly seven percent involve children six

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ears

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years of age and younger .