In recent weeks, two children in Arkansas have died driving or riding on ATVs. Both of those could have been prevented by following very simple and very obvious safety precautions that are clearly posted all over ATVs. As a parent, I can't imagine losing one of my boys, for any reason, but especially due to not being responsible.

If you're the type of parent that uses an ATV as a babysitter, or just turn your kids loose on them without realizing how dangerous they can be, you need to wise up. ATVs are not toys, and letting your kid think it is, is a huge problem. It's up to YOU to teach them safety, respect and make them completely aware of the dangers associated with them.

Follow these simple rules, and you'll reduce your kid's risk of a) getting in an accident and b) getting seriously injured in the accident:

Ride the right sized ATV
Wear a helmet (and other protective gear)
Don't take passengers
Stay off pavement
Get them training (or YOU get training, then train your kid)
Use speed governors