On Dec 25 2010, 2:31*pm, "Steve B" wrote:
I was just sent a cell phone picture of my two grandsons, five and seven, on
their new Christmas present, an ATV.

I am very troubled by this, having expressed my feelings on this heretofore,
and knowing that the strong willed son-in-law would do whatever the **** he
wanted, thank you very much for your input months ago.

I broke my back two years ago on an ATV, and I'm an adult. *I was doing
something stupid, and got caught. *But we ride in some very remote rough
areas. *We have since toned down our riding to just putt putt old fart
stuff.

These two had a little electric John Deere atv that was even rated for
children older than they were when they got it, four and two IIRC. *They,
and their Mom and Grandma, insisted that it was okay for both to ride at the
same time, so one of the motors burned out recently, and that was all she
wrote. *In the meantime, they would not follow instructions on where or
where not to ride, wearing helmets, or using the safety strap for the second
rider. *They were constantly getting stuck in places they were told not to
ride.

My heart is heavy this Christmas.

Does anyone have any personal experiences with children and atvs and
negative situations?

Statistics of major injuries and death across the country tell me that I am
not being hysterical about this.

They are males, five and seven years old.

It is an internal combustion four stroke engine, not sure of the horsepower,
but usually kids atvs are limited to 70cc, and even 50cc engines have 5 hp.
Oh, and I was reminded that it has a governor, but that just means it is
mostly in low gear where there is more torque.

Steve

Steve...I have been thinking about this situation...

FIrst let me say that if I did not care about the safety of your
grandkids, I would not be typing this.

I think your best course of action is one of making the best of what
is in place.

Rule one...it is apparent that your SIL is one that you have to work
around...to confort him directly is counterproductive to the final
goal of your grandkid's safety...remember this. The fact that your
daughter has gone along with the ATV purchases indicates she has
little influence on him...or agrees with him..either way she is part
of the problem.

If you can get a keyed switch on the ATVs, do it. Then make sure that
adults hold the keys. Hopefully this will mean that the ATVs will be
used under some type of adult supervision..right now that is not the
case.

Next...it would seem you have some influence on the kids..not the
parents...so make that work for you...that is your biggest advantage.

Give your grandkids a late Christmas present of a ATV safety driving
course...and you join them as one of the participants. With you
actively taking a safety course along side of your grandkids, you are
sending a very strong message of teaching by example...and making a
memory that they will treasure. Think of it as if you were attending a
shooting safety course with your grandkids to teach proper gun
handling and safety. THey will be watching you like a hawk for
cues..so take a no nonsense approach...all rules apply. Next I would
take them and go buy whatever cool helmets they want....the more they
buy into the helment the more likely they will wear it ...all the
time. If other protective gear is available...especially that which
would prevent neck injuries, buy it. It is like riding a bike...helmet
and leathers all the way around..no exceptions.

Now at home if you have the capability provide them with the driving
course they can use. Remove ALL obstructions...and I mean all of them.
(I know of a case where a young rider died hitting the only damn tree
in large course...senseless death.)

One last comment...no friends should be allowed to ride on the
ATVs...it is a lawsuit just waiting to happen.

Good luck.

TMT