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national study shows that Kentucky is second in the nation for ATV-related injuries.
And a statewide report says that, so far this year, there have been over three thousand of them.
ABC-36 spoke with Dr. Karen Lommel of the UK Hospital Trauma Center, and she gave some tips on how to stay safe while driving an all-terrain vehicle.
First, she says, always wear the correct safety equipment--especially a helmet. Dr. Lommel says physicians see everything from severed limbs to severe head injuries in emergency rooms, due to lack of safety gear while riding an ATV.
Second, Lommel encourages not drinking and driving. Judgment and reaction times can be impaired, just the same as driving a car.
And lastly, the doctor says ATV drivers should not ride on paved roads--they're more dangerous.
"Because of the way the ATVs are made, the solid rear axel and the way the tires are made, it's safer on the dirt," she said.
Dr. Lommel also suggests that drivers be at least 16 years old, not allowing more people on the ATV than it's designed to carry, and to take a safety course on how to properly drive an all-terrain vehicle.
