Sports medicine stats: ATV’s and the use of helmets among teens
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina. He loves discussing and writing about sports & exercise injuries,
and has been featured in major media publications over 1,200 times throughout his career.
A 2011 YouthStyles survey gives a breakdown of the proportion of 12-17 year olds in the USA who had ridden an ATV at least once during the last 12 months and their patterns of helmet use. Of the 831 youth respondents, an estimated 25% reported riding an ATV at least once during the past year. Unfortunately, only 45% of riders say they always wore a helmet, and 25% reported never wearing one.
The most frequent riders had the lowest consistent helmet use. 8 of 10 youth who rode at least 6 times during the past year report not always wearing a helmet.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
A 2011 YouthStyles survey gives a breakdown of the proportion of 12-17 year olds in the USA who had ridden an ATV at least once during the last 12 months and their patterns of helmet use. Of the 831 youth respondents, an estimated 25% reported riding an ATV at least once during the past year. Unfortunately, only 45% of riders say they always wore a helmet, and 25% reported never wearing one.