Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – As Spring Break is upon us, DHR Health’s Level 1 Trauma Center would like to encourage safety, especially in the use of ATV (All-Terrain Vehicles) and UTV (Utility Task Vehicles) as accidents and fatalities have increased in the region over the last few years.
“DHR Health did a study and there has been a 183% increase in ATV/UTV accidents since 2018,” said Dr. Jeffrey Skubic, medical director of the DHR Health Level 1 Trauma Center. “We need to inform our community about the importance of ATV safety as it is not only our duty to treat and heal wounds but to also do what we can to help prevent them.”
DHR Health’s Level I Trauma Center encourages all ATV/UTV owners to follow the “Golden Rules” of Safety, which include:
• Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
• Never ride on paved roads, except to cross when safe and as permitted by law.
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV designed for two people.
• Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
• Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
• Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
For any additional questions on ATV/UTV safety, for presentations on safety, or to learn more about DHR Health’s ATV Injury Prevention Program contact DHR Health’s Level 1 Trauma Center Injury Prevention Division at (956) 362-6285 or email at c.bravo@dhrhealth.com.
