The following is a transcript of a report by medical editor Marilyn Brooks that first aired May 12, 2008, on WTAE Channel 4 Action News at 5 p.m.

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Every year, hundreds of all-terrain vehicle injuries and deaths are reported and each year, the statistics continue to climb.

Last year, the West Virginia University Injury Control Research Center wrapped up a five-year study that compared the prevalence of ATV and bicycle crashes from 2000 through 2004.

The study found hospitalizations from ATV incidents are growing at a markedly higher rate than bicycle injuries, even though the 100 million bike owners outnumber 7 million ATV owners.

ATV deaths soared nearly 180 percent from 276 in 1995 to 767 in 2004. Children younger than 16 made up one-quarter of the deaths and one-third of the injuries.

Of 1.2 million injuries to children, nearly half involved off-road ATVs. And emergency room visits rose more than 150 percent from 53,600 in 1996 to 136,700 in 2005.

Finally, girls accounted for 26 percent of ATV hospitalizations, compared to 22 percent of bike injuries.

Doctors at Children's Hospital have dealt with such injuries for years, but 2007 was one for the record books with more than 90 treated.

"We think these are preventable injuries, because these kids shouldn't be on ATVs," said Dr. Barbara Gaines.

Children between 12 and 15 are at greatest risk for ATV injuries. In most injury cases, according to the study, the teens were not driving at the time of the accident but rather a passenger.

More than 50 percent had serious cuts and bruises. About 25 percent sustained fractures, and one in 10 injuries were serious enough for a lengthy hospital stay.

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