ATV TOLL RISES: TWO DIE THIS WEEK - Legislature Not Likely To Change Road Rules

(06/24/2006)

West Virginia's ATV death toll continues to grow. The Fayette County Sheriff's Department says a 15-year-old boy is dead after crashing his ATV. Investigators say Robert Treadway wrecked this ATV Thursday near the community of Scarbro. He was not wearing a helmet. A Pittsburgh hospital says a Brooke County man died Wednesday after he drove his ATV over a high wall at an old mining site near his home Tuesday. The victim is identified as 66-year-old John Kaull of Colliers. The medical examiner says Kaull was not wearing a helmet. Unofficial statistics show ATV deaths are already approaching 30 this year. WV breaks records for ATV deaths and injuries. Several members of the WV Legislature have indicated something must be done to keep WV residents safer on their ATVs, but few have indicated they are willing to change the "open road rules." Since the state has the highest number of ATVs per capita, Charleston will not likely tangle with the owners. Manufacturers of the vehicles say they are unstable on blacktop roads, particularly with a second rider. They were originally developed for off-road recreation. WV allows the ATVs to travel with cars and trucks on most of the state highways. Delegate Brent Boggs has said there needs to be a greater effort to educate riders.

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