Crashes cause DNR to post off-road vehicle rules

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Written by Fort Wayne News-Sentinel   
Thursday, October 22, 2009

With off-road vehicle accidents being the most common type that Indiana Conservation Officers must investigate, the Department of Natural Resources has issued general safety rules and tips for all off-road vehicles.

From January through September, 161 off-road vehicle accidents, including 108 personal injury and five fatalities, have been reported. According to the DNR, most accidents happen in the summer and fall months, when people have more recreational time to spend.

General safety tips for All-Terrain Vehicles and off-road vehicles include:

  • Always wear protective gear, most importantly a helmet
  • Do not let inexperienced riders operate vehicles without experienced partners; an inexperienced rider is 13 times more likely to have an accident than an experienced one.
  • Never ride more than one person on an ATV that is not designed to carry passengers.
  • Never travel alone.
  • Never operate off-road vehicles while using drugs or alcohol.
  • Reduce your speed.
  • Become familiar with the territory in which you are riding.
  • ATVs are designed for off-road use, so avoid driving an ATV on a paved surface.
  • Become familiar with, and observe, state laws and local ordinances.
  • Avoid performing dangerous stunts and maneuvers.
  • Always get permission from landowners before riding on private property.

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Source: http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091022/NEWS/910220346


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Community Voices

“During the past decade, I have personally had six out of seven elk hunts ruined by the careless intrusions of ATV operators. This epidemic has forced me to abandon one prime hunting area after another, only to encounter the same situation elsewhere. The shameful part of this picture is that the overwhelming majority of these ATV’ers are young and healthy, not decrepit or physically challenged. Maybe these riders would be more respectful of other people's outdoor experience if they knew we could ID them."

- Bill Sustrich, Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers