Nearly 40 States Take Action - Highlights 2007-08
Thousands of Americans responsibly use off-road vehicles for work and recreation. But a growing number of reckless riders damage public and private land, get themselves hurt, burden law enforcement, and ruin hunting, fishing and hiking experiences for the rest of us. Their actions are creating a backlash from sportsmen, property owners, ranchers, safety advocates, and taxpayers tired of paying to clean up the mess from irresponsible riders.
Since the beginning of 2007, 39 states have considered 78 pieces of legislation dealing with reckless riders, including: supporting law enforcement, protecting hunting and fishing, stopping private property damage, and improving safety. Of these proposals:
- 37 addressed ORV law enforcement gaps with measures such as tougher penalties for reckless riding, increased funding and license plates.
- 21 moved to protect private property owners through tougher laws for property damage and excessive noise.
- 32 targeted ORV safety issues, especially child riders.
- 18 worked to protect ORV-threatened or damaged hunting lands and fishing streams.
 |
|
State-By-State Community Action Reckless off-roading is a fifty-state problem. To learn more about community action in your state, click on a link below: Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites     |
State by State Momentum
Community Voices
"But it's been our observation that ATV riders who disregard rules governing where they are allowed to go are more likely to also disregard rules of courtesy and outdoor etiquette — and in ATVers' cases it's pretty obvious who did the disregarding. That creates a very directed backlash that affects all riders, responsible or not." -- Great Falls Tribune, "Time for the annual reminder: Be a responsible ATV rider", (10/9/09) |