The ATV is a relatively new type of vehicle which is used in many different ways. Moreover, it is a vehicle for unprotected road users which has led to many injuries. In order to achieve a reduction in the number of accidents involving young ATV drivers we need actions based on knowledge about how they get injured and how we can affect those being responsible and having influence over children´s use of ATVs. The study was aimed to explore attitudes and behavior among parents with children using ATVs, as well as their experience of incidents and injuries. The results should be used as a basis for proposed measures for different stakeholders to deal with. The research is mainly qualitative and initially we conducted two focus group interviews, one with younger people and one with parents, in addition, we also interviewed a salesman of ATVs in order to get other perspectives. The interviews were analyzed and resulted in six categories; Risk acceptance? How is the safety experienced? What are the role of adults? Where are the risks? Is it the others having fatalities? and Who takes the responsibility? These themes formed the basis of an interview guide that was used to make the nationwide telephone interviews with parents and after their consent, also with their children. Telephone interviews were conducted during the autumn 2015 and was finished in the spring 2016. A total of 50 persons participated, of which 41 were adults and nine children. The results were analyzed and the answers for each question were compiled and presented in the report. The results are also shown as eight themes, which are presented below, with a brief summary: The use of ATVs. There was a great variety of use. Children sometimes drove both children size and adult size ATVs, but for different purposes. There were three major purposes of ATVs: transport of persons and material/tools/equipment and for play. The interviewees warned of mixing work and play, and several pointed out when there is a play situation, it might go wrong. Those who did not allow their children to drive ATVs made a clear distinction between work and play. The many types of ATV vehicles and registration forms with different rules were unclear to many of the participants. Risk awareness. In both focus groups, in-depth interviews and telephone interviews, it was clear that the participants considered themselves to be aware of risks. Most of them knew that there is a lot of accidents in agriculture. For the most part, women were not as confident in their own risk awareness, compared with the males. Messages about the dangers in the traffic made them aware and the traffic was seen as the major risk among the interviewed. They experienced greater control of the risks when driving ATVs on their own property, but they seemed to be unaware that many accidents happen there. They said that there are those who do not take the use of ATVs seriously, it will be used as a toy and that people often believe that ATVs are more stable than they are. Information does not help - "Not us, but the others". Many pointed out that the risk is in the ignorant parents and that they do not set limits, but they referred to other than themselves. Information and training is good for the others who do not have experience. Lending the ATVs to others was experienced as problematic especially if they are children from the town, which made them avoid this. Parents' perception of children's ability. Many parents talked about the children's maturity and the difference between individuals, but not about age limits. Not even about the child's overall development, sometimes parents compared a 4-5-year-old with a 12-year-old in maturity. Only a few people argued that there are reasons why you have 15-year limit for moped driving and related to this. The children's learning. The parents described learning as a gradual process. They learned themselves on their own, and many thought that it is good to start early, it gives experience and interest. It was described with pride how very small children are able to drive large ATVs and other types of machinery. It is usually the fathers who teach and mothers who are more restrictive, as are those with backgrounds outside agriculture. Few parents saw their own behavior as a safety role model. The children's perspective. The kids thought it fun to drive ATVs, but it can be scary. Some expressed that it is creepy when driving in curves or when it leans much and they realize that there is a rollover risk. Most adults were aware of the risks as parents, but they did not say anything about their own limitations. Helmet was obvious to all interviewed children and several also had other type of personal protection, but nobody had any kind of roll over protection on their ATVs. Rules and responsibilities. It was very clear that the parents saw themselves as responsible for the children's handling of the ATVs. Their view was that there are many children who takes a lot of the risks when using ATVs and it depends on the shortcomings of the other parents. They also expressed that the rules are not followed since no one checks their compliance. ATVs were sometimes compared with bicycles where there are not so many rules. What about the risk acceptance? They judged themselves to be aware of the risks and they knew that there is a lot of accidents, also with children. It probably happens to others but not me / us, was a common statement. There seemed to be a greater risk acceptance among men than among women. Most parents were concerned about their children's safety, more than themselves, but perhaps there is a normalization if there is no accident. Often it is the high speed at accident and you do not calculate your own or children's lack of ability to handle the situation. The desire for children to learn early overshadows the knowledge of every child's development and ability. Children's involvement and assistance is required in agriculture and at the same time parents want their children to have a fun time. This study has had a focus on the use of ATV in rural areas, especially the children´s use and exposure with a parental perspective. The proposals and recommendations given in the following are directed primarily to relevant authorities and organizations which have to assess and consider the possibility of implementation and the possible need for further scientific evaluations. Authorities should bring order among the diversity of ATV registrations and clarify all the rules for different types of ATVs. The ambiguity that prevails affects safety and the perception of this vehicle, To influence behavior, insurance companies may use discounted premiums and deductibles. Agricultural / rural media can be used more proactively to bring out the message directed to target parents of children using ATVs, General registration of all ATVs so that risk information can be given at the purchase and comply with the sale, i.e. a document accompanying the vehicle. A requirement of registration would mean that the parent needs to go into the Transport Agency's website and is then forced to receive information before getting access to the registration form. * All resellers of ATVs should be addressed and assigned leaflets that must be attached with the ATV at the time of purchase, * When buying an ATV, there should be in addition to risk information also a practical training offered. It should be directed towards parents, so that they together with the children could be allowed to practice on specific courses under controlled conditions and supervision, * Introduce a requirement that each ATV should have a clear marking, an identification plate with information about the classification, engine power, where / how it will be allowed to drive and by whom (age / driver requirements), Unethical / improper marketing of ATVs. "Suitable for children" need to be reviewed / notified, * There need to be developed safer alternatives to ATVs and clear rules for these options. * Improve safety on existing ATVs and set higher requirements on the manufacturer. (Author/publisher)
Abstract