PROCTORVILLE — Fairland West Elementary School Grades presented an ATV Injury Prevention Program to the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade health classes the week of March 23-27.

Matt Herbert who represents St. Mary’s Hospital and Nathan Speed, Physical Education and Health teacher at the school conducted the safety program.

Teresa Johnson, principal, introduced the ATV Safety Program to the school, because this is the age at which many children begin to ride All Terrain Vehicles.

Speed says there is a need in our community for this type of safety training because ATVs are so common in suburban and rural communities.

According to a report released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission serious injuries caused by ATFs increased, and children under age 16 continued to suffer a significant portion of those injuries.

“Every year, more and more families are devastated by deaths and injuries caused by ATVs.

This tragic problem continues to be in dire need of an aggressive and immediate solution,” stated Rachel Weinbraub, Director of Product Safety for Consumer Federation of America.

Herbert’s program is funded by St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Rahall Transportation System.

St. Mary’s has been a school partner with Fairland West and has sponsored other programs such as the Healthy Heart and Wellness Fairs.