Pender boy released from hospital, a reminder of ATV safety

A Pender County boy is home from a three month the hospital stay, after an accident in February nearly took his life. The four-year-old is just one of a growing number of children hurt or killed in all terrain vehicle accidents; in fact one-third of all ATV accidents involve children. An event in Wilmington today promoted ATV safety and education. Four-year-old Jones Carr has suffered multiple strokes, has had part of his brain removed, eats through a feeding tube, and its partially paralyzed. “It’s been an unspeakable heartbreaking experience with a very vibrant little boy who now has to fight for his life,” said Jones’ grandfather Check Noe. In February, Jones was on an ATV with his dad. The vehicle was stopped, Jones got his hand on the throttle and cranked it. The ATV flipped, injuring the little boy permanently, nearly taking his life. Jones’ grandparents have already spoken to State Representative Carolyn Justice about drafting a bill in their grandson's name promoting all-terrain-vehicle safety. The Noe's say much needs to be done to prevent further tragedies. Some local agenices, inlcuding the hospital, agree as they held an ATV safety event. "If you are going to own an ATV, make sure that you get educated and you wear protective gear at all times," said Tina Poole of NHRMC Injury Prevention. Just like riding bikes and motorcycles, experts say when you get on an ATV, you need to wear a helmet. In fact it's the law, but according to hospital trauma admissions, not even half of ATV riders abide by it. The Noe's have set up a fund for their grandson. For donations, you can mail the Noe’s at their place of business, Dorothy’s originals, which is located at 6721 Market St. They can also be reached through the website dorothysoriginals.com.