Less than two weeks ago on Bravo television, The Real Housewives of New York City took a risky ride on a couple of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). In a scene that lasted for less than 45 seconds, the characters managed to misuse the vehicles in numerous ways. They—and worse, their children—were at a greater risk of injury and potentially death because they lacked helmets, rode tandem and allowed children to drive and ride two abreast as passengers behind the driver.

From 2004 through 2008, there was an estimated annual average of 864 ATV-related deaths in the United States and 141,080 emergency-room-treated injuries. This five-year period consisted of an annual average of 142 reported deaths of children under the age of sixteen. Of those injured in that time period, 40,420 were under the age of sixteen. For this reason, we recommend against the use of ATVs by children as either drivers or passengers.

Furthermore, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that those using ATVs adhere to the following safety tips:

• Get trained


• Wear a helmet


• Don’t allow children on adult ATVs


• Don’t ride tandem


• Don’t ride on pavement


• Don’t ride under the influence