Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Misty Kay Robbins


Misty Kay Robbins was 10 years old when she died late Saturday afternoon. The Iron City girl was reportedly driving an adult-sized All Terrain Vehicle, commonly known as an ATV or quadcycle. Her 15 year-old brother was also injured in the accident near their home.

Perhaps the most shocking part of her death is that it isn't at all unusual. The American Academy of Pediatrics has asked the Federal Government to ban anyone under the age of 16 from either driving or riding on an adult-sized ATV. Yet most parents who have lost children in such accidents report they had no idea of the danger involved. How is this possible?

It appears that despite increased educational campaigns, most parents don't realize that a child under 16 is twice as likely to die while operating an adult ATV. Concerned Mothers for ATV Safety, a group founded by women who have lost children to ATV accidents, along with several other consumer safety groups, is seeking to make it illegal for children under the age of 16 to ride on adult ATVs. This age group currently makes up 20% of adult ATV related fatalities, and of this group 92% were engaging in activities specifically mentioned as dangerous in ATV educational materials.

Don't we already have enough laws? One would think so, but apparently we don't have the right ones if our children are dying at this rate and parents are doing nothing to prevent it.


What's up with this: The Shoals Suzuki website says "Testimonials" are "coming soon." Somehow we doubt it.