| The ATV bill is being "loved to death" by the West Virginia Legislature.
Senator Mike Ross (Democrat) of Randolph County even wants to put roll-bars on
ATVs, which might be a good idea, but manufacturers do not make such a
vehicle.
The House of Delegates has just rejected the Senate version of a bill aimed at
reining in ATVs in West Virginia.
One of the Senate amendments would have required ATVs to meet the same
standards as automobiles for traveling on paved roads, excluding a license
plate.
The House version required helmets on children and safety training for
youngsters operating ATVs. It applied only to public lands and roads, and it would
have allowed for up to 25 miles of travel along a paved road.
Manufacturers have tried to get the legislature to ban ATVs on paved roads and
prohibit double riding, both which they claim are safety violations.
House Minority Leader Charles Trump (Republican) lambasted the confusion
created by the Senate amendments regarding creating automobile standards -
registration and insurance.
Some legislators gave speeches regarding the lack of parental control.
Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin says at this point it's hard to say what is
included in the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Bill. Tomblin said there are a few
"renegades," but most ATV riders are responsible and safety-conscious.
West Virginia is one of few states that have no ATV regulations, while at the same
time the state has the highest number of deaths on the vehicles, in addition to
injuries.
This would be the eighth year the legislature has declined to pass ATV safety
legislation.
Some of the opposition is based on private property rights.
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