Children’s Hospital doctors are warning Manitoba parents to be diligent, after noting an increase in serious injuries involving all-terrain vehicles.

According to a Thursday news release from Shared Health, the Health Sciences Centre children’s emergency department in Winnipeg has treated 20 patients under the age of 18 for ATV-related injuries since mid-March.

Only four were believed to have been wearing helmets and many have suffered fractures of the skull, spine, pelvis and jaw.

“It is absolutely devastating for our care teams when they receive young patients that are seriously injured, particularly when it is the result of something that could have been easily prevented if they had been driving safely and wearing a helmet,” said Dr. Karen Gripp, department medical director.

Last year, Manitoba doctors treated 176 children and youth for ATV-related injuries. Roughly one-third required hospital admission.

National statistics show more than one-third of ATV-related deaths in Canada are children under 16 years old, despite accounting for a small fraction of overall ATV ridership, the release said.

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

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Children under the age of 14 are not permitted to operate ATVs in Manitoba unless supervised, accompanied by and at all times within clear view of a parent or a person who is at least 18 years old and authorized by the parent.

All riders must wear properly fastened safety helmets, the release said.