WASHINGTON – The number of people killed or injured using all-terrain vehicles is rising, the government said Tuesday. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 113,900 people were injured severely enough in 2002 to be taken to a hospital emergency room, up from 110,100 in 2001. In addition, 467 people died in ATV-related accidents in 2001, up from 446 in 2000, the latest available figures, the report said.

Children under 16 years old had 37,100 serious injuries in 2002, up from 34,300 in 2001, and more than any other age group.

ATVs have three or four wheels with a wide stance and cushy tires. They can be driven on dirt, rocks and trails. No new three-wheel ATVs have been built since 1988 under an agreement between the industry and the federal government.

The CPSC is considering a request from advocacy and consumer groups to ban the use of ATVs by anyone under age 16.