Auto accidents are one of the many causes of spinal cord injuries, but our firm’s San Diego paralysis attorneys want to remind you that an auto accident can involve any motorized vehicle, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

ThinkFirst Canada — a brain and spinal cord injury prevention group — wants children to stop riding ATVs, according to Canadian Driver.  Children can easily lose control or fall off of ATVs, so ThinkFirst is trying to avoid spinal cord injuries in young kids before they happen rather than after.

Spinal cord injury prevention in Canada means kids must stop riding ATVs.

The group says that parents should not teach their children how to ride an all-terrain vehicle because they “lack the knowledge, development and skills to safely operate” them.  These vehicles can reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour and weigh up to 500 pounds.  They crash just like any car, but do not have the safety of a roof or four doors.

“The truth is that ATVs cause more permanent disabilities and death than most other sport or recreational activities,” said the  ThinkFirst Canada founder and brain surgeon.

Not having the right safety equipment or alcohol consumption are also factors in personal injuries caused by ATV accidents.  From 2004-2005, Ontario recorded 16 deaths related to ATVs, many of them caused by brain and spinal cord injuries.  ATV usage also accounts for 13 percent of the all serious personal injuries from sports and recreational activities in 2000 and 2001.

Our firm’s San Diego paralysis attorneys want to make sure that you and your family members, especially the younger ones, have a safe and healthy summer.  Keeping your children off ATVs before they’re ready has the same benefits as keeping them out of the driver seat before they’re ready.  They live to become educated to the point when they are ready.

If you or someone you know has a spinal cord injury or was paralyzed during an accident, contact our bilingual San Diego law firm at 1-858-551-2090 for a FREE consultation with an experienced paralysis attorneys.  You may also click here and submit your case for a FREE online review.  We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing until we recover a fair settlement on your behalf.