Six year old Jay Thomas Patton reportedly died after a four-wheeler accident in Collinsville in February. According to authorities: the kindergartener was wearing a helmet and safety gear, and was under adult supervision, but simply rounded a turn too quickly, flipped the four-wheeler, and landed awkwardly.

About thirty eight children in Alabama have been killed in ATV related accidents over the last seven years and even non-fatal accidents can be very serious, according to Dr. Kathy Monroe, E.R. Physician at Children's Hospital.

"We're seeing liver injuries, some kids who lose their spleen, some major fractures, prolonged hospitalizations, long intensive-care unit stays and many of these children who do survive are left with some permanent disabilities," said Monroe.

 Safety tips from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons include the following:
    * All ATV operators should be licensed and undergo a hands-on training course. According to the CPSC, inexperienced drivers in their first month of using an ATV have 13 times the average risk of injury.
    * The minimum age for operating an ATV on or off the road should be at least 16 years old.
    * ATVs should be used during daylight hours only.
    * ATVs should be used by only one person at a time, no riders.
-Source: AAOS
 
 Jason White of The Ridge Riding Park in Springville says there are safety considerations about all-terrain vehicles that riders of all ages must keep in mind.
 
"People need to remember that you know, it's easy to do at first, but you know the faster you get and the better you get, the more dangerous it can get if you end up getting in a wreck," said White. "I think definitely the size of the vehicle versus the age of the child, I mean they've got some regulations out there already you know that we try to watch for and keep an eye on and make sure the kids aren't getting on their parents four-wheelers and stuff and you know and having a good area. We've put in a pee-wee area just for beginner riders to try to learn."

Even though Craig Shelton is an experienced dirt bike rider, watching his son ride a four-wheeler is nerve wracking.
 "You know one simple little stump, rock, anything, you know you get off balance and you know it just flips over on them, that's it you know? I mean, it's a lot heavier than they are," said Shelton.