Parents have been advised against buying mini-motorised vehicles such as quadbikes, mini-motorbikes and scooters as Christmas presents for their children because of the dangers associated with them.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) today warned parents that the vehicles can kill or seriously injure those who use them.
According to the RSA, there were 45 injuries recorded at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda alone over a five-year period due to children using mini-motorised vehicles. Most of the children suffered fractures and head injuries.
Furthermore, in Britain, a number of children have died in crashes involving such vehicles.
The RSA added that it is against the law for people under the age of 16 to ride mini-motorised vehicles in a public place.
"Under no circumstances should a child be riding these vehicles as they simply do not have the skills, the strength or the reaction speed to be able to handle motorised vehicles. We are urging parents and guardians to act responsibly and ensure their child does not get harmed this Christmas," said RSA chief executive Noel Brett.
