Railroad officials say ATV riders damaging tracks

Written by Associated Press

Monday, July 07, 2008

WELCH, W.Va. -- Officials with Norfolk Southern Co. say a problem with all-terrain vehicle riders cruising along train tracks is getting worse.

Brian Kahle, a special agent for the company's police department, said train tracks in southern West Virginia are being damaged by ATV riders.

That means trains could be at risk, but it's also hazardous for ATV riders.

Kahle says the biggest problems are in Wyoming and McDowell counties.

ATV riders caught on the tracks face up to 25 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Norfolk Southern is sponsoring an educational program starting July 10 in the Bearsville section of Wyoming County to warn about the dangers of riding ATVs on railroad tracks.

Source: http://wvgazette.com/latest/200807070182

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Community Voices

“It’s frustrating having a hunt ruined by people riding ATVs where off-road vehicle use is prohibited. Many ATVs look the same so there’s no way to identify violators when reporting the incident to law enforcement. There should be a requirement that off-road vehicles used on public lands have license plates or large decals. Any ATV user who follows the law and land management directives on where they can and can not use these machines should have no objection to this type of identification.”

- Holly Endersby, hunter from western Idaho