An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is not a toy.
That would seem an obvious admonition, but so is "don't leave your child in a hot vehicle."
And, as recurring news stories demonstrate, ignoring the obvious is resulting in otherwise preventable injuries and fatalities, particularly among children.
ATV safety was the topic of a recent "Trooper Talk," a regular column by the Missouri Highway Patrol.
The column reported: "In the past few years, traffic crash data has shown more individuals are being injured or killed using all-terrain vehicles, which has no doubt increased with their popularity. Missouri 2013 traffic crash data indicates 29 people were killed and 329 were injured while riding all-terrain vehicles."
Those statistics include six fatalities and 120 injuries to riders age 18 or younger.
The patrol cited inattention and careless or negligent operations as contributing factors. The agency added: "Many individuals who acquire ATVs or off-road utility vehicles seem to have a mind-set that they are "toys or just something fun to ride,' or a harmless way for their child to pass the time, rather than a piece of machinery that can be extremely dangerous if not operated correctly."
ATVs and off-road utility vehicles have practical applications for farmers and hunters navigating fields and wooded areas. They also are popular for "off roading" adventures.
But, as the patrol emphasizes, riders must "respect them, be properly trained on their use and operate them responsibly."
Responsible operation includes wearing a helmet and protective boots and clothing, becoming familiar with the vehicle's controls and never pushing beyond the operator's experience or vehicle's capability.
The best way to avoid becoming an accident statistic is to prioritize safety, whether on the road or off.