The governorate of the Eastern Province has banned all traders in the province from importing two-wheel motorbikes and three- and four-wheel motorized buggies manufactured for children's use. Motorbikes and buggies, which are approximately 50 cm high from the center of the wheel and run on benzene or gas or any other inflammable substance, come under the purview of the ban. The imposition of the ban follows the recommendation of a special committee of the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry which said that motorbikes and quad bikes or buggies were being used by thieves for snatching items like handbags, mobiles, etc. from pedestrians, besides committing traffic violations. In a letter sent to the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the governorate said the committee has located the shops that deal with such motorbikes and buggies. These shops are unlicensed and run by expatriate workers. The letter further mentioned that the committee was in conformity with the earlier Council of Ministers' decision regarding banning the import of motorbikes and buggies meant for children's use as well as those that run on batteries if their speed exceeds 10 km/hr. The decision urged the Ministry of Finance and National Economy to ask the custom departments at airports, seaports and land border posts not to give clearance to these kinds of motorbikes and buggies, even if they are meant for personal use. In the United States, statistics released by CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) show that in 2005, there were an estimated 136,700 injuries associated with ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles, also known as a quad, quad bike, three wheeler, or four wheeler) treated in US hospital emergency rooms. In 2004, 767 people died in ATV-associated incidents. According to statistics released by CPSC, the risk of injury in 2005 was 171.5 injuries per 10,000 four-wheel ATVs in use. The risk of death in 2004 was 1.1 deaths per 10,000 four
