title: Safety in the use of four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles in Finland.
abstract: The aim of this study was to ascertain the use of four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles in Finland and estimate the safety in driving a four-wheeler. According to the importers there are about 3,000 four-wheelers in use in Finland. A questionnaire was sent to the owners of four-wheelers (n = 185), in which questions were asked about their use, protection used when driving, accidents that had occurred and suggestions for developing four-wheelers. One hundred three answers (response rate 56%) were received. The respondents reported minor injuries (15%) and dangerous situations: the four-wheeler had fallen over (35%) and the driver had fallen off the four-wheeler (20%). The accidents and dangerous situations were concentrated to occupational users who drove a lot in poor terrain. Four-wheeler driving was estimated to be more dangerous than snowmobile driving. According to the answers the most efficient measures to improve safety would be the use of a safety helmet and high boots when driving as well as the enforcement of an age limit for the driver. The technical properties of the four-wheelers could also be developed e.g. the leg room, foot board and protective roll bar.
authors.affiliation: Oulu Regional Institute of Occupational Health, Finland.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pekkarinen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Anttonen
mesh_terms: D000056:Accident Prevention; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015541:Off-Road Motor Vehicles; D011482:Protective Devices; D012449:Safety; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control