My sister and her husband have an ATV. We are going up to their cabin this weekend and they want to take my 3.9 and 8.4 year olds on it. ARE these ever safe?? I don't know much about them, but I know there are horror stories out there. Of course, there are horror stories regarding EVERYTHING in life, so I don't know what the true danger is. If they actually ride on this thing with a helmet and of course go slow, on a flat surface, is this a really insane thing to do, or do you deem it about as safe as any other activity? My sister mentioned PULLING them on a wagon BEHIND the ATV...how smart/stupid is that?? They're very responsible and my husband and I would be right there, I just don't know if we should just out and out say no way or if it's really not that risky in the manner that I've said it would be ridden. Can anyone help me out? TIA!

I should note that we would NOT be on real roads with any traffic...we'd be on a dirt path on their property.

By Mommyathome on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 11:10 am:

We are an ATV community. There are more ATV's driving on our streets than there are cars/trucks/vans!
Of course they are dangerous. Like you said....everything can be dangerous. Especially when the person driving is not responsible. But, they can also be very very fun! Make sure everyone has a proper fitted helmet. Make sure the driver goes slow (to make you feel better!).
Our family has 4 ATV's that we ride frequently. When we have the kids, we go slow and just drive around the streets and fields. If it's just DH and I, we sometimes go up in the mountains and climb small hills and hit dirt paths a bit faster than when the kids are with us.
I don't know that I would recommend pulling a wagon behind an ATV....but I've never been for pulling anything behind any type of vehicle. I especially hate to see people pulling sleds behind trucks. The wagon/sled could easily flip around the ATV and the riders could be squished. I'm sure if you went VERY slow, that could be avoided, but I still don't like it.
I think that you should let your kids give it a try. It sounds like they are in capable hands. Especially if you will be on a dirt path on their property. It will be great fun!!

By Colette on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 11:17 am:

Are they 3 or 4 wheelers. Dh used to have one when we first met, apparently the 3 wheelers are worse than the 4 wheelers.

regardless, I wouldn't let my kids ride on it.

By Kate on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 04:07 pm:

Thanks, ladies. Anyone else have any input?

By Bellajoe on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 04:48 pm:

I think that if you are smart with it and very careful and slow, and everyone wears helmets, then why not?

I don't know if I would let my 3 yr old on one unless it were going really slow. But i don't think the 8 yr old on it would be a problem.

IMO, it's the people who are careless, and trying to show off that get hurt.

By Melanie on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 05:31 pm:

Ditto Patti. I wouldn't put let them get towed behind it on anything, but I would take them on slow with helmets.

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 07:19 pm:

Helmets - long sleeves, long pants, solid shoes (not sandals)

Stick to existing trails - both for safety and for the environment

Speed - slow until you REALLY know what you are doing, and then still not fast until you REALLY know what the ATV can do

I agree - not in a wagon behind the ATV. I think that is really an invitation to risk.

By Colette on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 08:03 pm:

regarding my comment...please keep in mind that I am a TOTAL worrywart when it comes to my kids.

By Kate on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 08:45 pm:

So am I, Colette. That's why I'm asking this question! Thanks for all the responses!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Friday, August 20, 2004 - 12:27 am:

My BIL and sister have two 4 wheelers. My children are permitted to ride on them with an adult. With a helmet. And only at slow speeds. DS 12 got to drive one on his own for the first time this summer. But he has driven for two years with an adult on it with him. I think if you treat it as it should be treated there is no harm. It is dangerous. But so isn't driving in a breathing these days.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Friday, August 20, 2004 - 12:29 am:

LOL that is what I get for doing two things at once... LOL lost my train of thought... AH WELL. To lazy to go fix it.. I think you get my meaning... Jesh... ****red faced****