ATV riders urged to ride safely, obey laws

With warmer weather, people are out and about more having fun; for some, that includes riding all-terrain vehicles. But they should be aware of the dangers and laws involving their activities.

ATVs are three- or four-wheeled motorized vehicles used for off-road riding and have gained enormous popularity in the last decade. In many ways, these vehicles are ideal for recreation, rescue efforts and quick, easy transportation in off-road areas.

In some areas of Orange County the problems started some time ago and have continued to escalate as riders of the ATVs have reportedly been “tearing up yards” and residents report their “patience is wearing thin.”

Precinct 1 Constable Chris Humble says he has had several complaints and has stopped people on the roadways who were riding ATVs.

ATVs are unregistered vehicles and could be towed if caught being driven on public roadways. The drivers could also be given citations, according to law enforcement officials.

There may be a fine imposed for the Class C misdemeanor which may be up to $500. Although, other charges such as trespassing or speeding may also be filed.

Officials say they are not against people riding ATVs but riders need to obey the laws.

Some riders, who are still under age, are not aware of the traffic laws and have been seen speeding and not yielding at traffic signs or to other vehicles.

“This is a huge safety issue,” Precinct 2 Constable Rob Strause said.

Humble added he has also seen a growing problem of children on “mini-bikes” and go-carts.

“Young people just aren’t aware of the laws,” Humble said.

Some of the calls law enforcement receives has not only been about the nuisances, but out of concern for the children.

“They think they are toys, but they are not,” Strause said.

The ATV industry was placed in charge of policing itself back in the 1980s after the Consumer Product Safety Commission sued manufacturers claiming the old three-wheeled ATVs were dangerous. The three-wheelers were involved in so many rollovers the lawsuit was filed alleging the ATVs and the manufacturers violated the Consumer Product Safety Act.

The industry voluntarily stopped making them and created a four-wheeled version. In exchange the industry was allowed to monitor itself. However, they were not forced to recall 2.4 million three-wheelers that were sold up until then. It is believed that many of the three-wheelers are still being used, according to the CPSC.

As part of the legal settlement manufacturers were required to place warning labels on ATVs. The warning regimen required placing four labels on the machine and alerting riders to more than two dozen hazards in owner’s manuals. Some of the alerts include warning drivers to never turn improperly or operate an ATV at an excessive speed, or on an extremely rough or loose terrain or on hills that are too steep.

Unfortunately however, over 6,000 fatalities have occurred from injuries associated with ATVs during the last two decades, according to the CPSC. In 2001, 467 people were killed in ATV accidents. Additionally, from 1982 until

2001, there were 4,541 deaths attributed to ATVs. In 2002, 113,900 people went to emergency room with ATV related injuries. The CPSC estimates that at least 30 percent of all people involved in accidents are children.

Injuries to children riding ATVs are on the rise nationally spurring a new debate about creating federal legislation to manage the problem.

Humble and Strause urge parents to take the precautions necessary to protect their children before it is too late and the child is severely injured — or worse — killed.

According to the University of Virginia Hospital, a 1997 survey showed 60 percent of ATV-owning households are located in areas with populations of less than 100,000 people. Over the years, the numbers have continued to increase.

Until laws can be changed regulating the age at which ATVs can be used, officials with the CPSC urge parents to prevent accidents by following a few guidelines;

• No children under six should ride on ATVs.

• No child under 16 should operate an adult-sized ATV under any circumstances. If a child operates a youth-sized ATV, it should be according to manufacturer’s instructions on a machine that is an appropriate size.

• Children should never be operate ATVs on public roads or paved surfaces. ATVs should be operated only on designated trails.

• All youth-sized ATVs should have throttle limits and be equipped with identification flags.

• Personal protective equipment for ATV operators should include U.S. Department of Transportation approved helmet with face protection, goggles, a long sleeved shirt and long pants, non-skid boots and gloves.

• Never carry passengers on ATVs.

• Children and their parent or guardian should enroll in and successfully complete an approved ATV safety course.

Source: http://www.orangeleader.com/archivesearch/local_story_066210231.html

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