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ATV REGULATIONS COMING UP AGAIN |
| (11/25/2003) |
| Lawmakers will try to pass an ATV safety law in the next session of the legislature, after at least eight years of unsuccessful attempts. Several groups are pushing to get some laws on the books to help stop ATV fatalities. The state has the highest incidence of deaths on recreational vehicles, in addition to hundreds of serious injuries. West Virginia is one of few states that do not regulate the vehicles. West Virginia Farm Bureau official Les Shumaker says he doesn't have a problem with two bills that came out of interim committee meetings two weeks ago. One calls for regulations that would require children to be a certain age to ride an ATV on their own and would require everyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. The second bill would restrict ATV usage on paved roads. Shumaker advocates for farmer's rights, and favors laws that would not interfere with such rights. He says most deaths are caused by irresponsible riders or children who shouldn't be riding alone. Wayne County Delegate Rick Thompson says he has a problem with a bill that restricts the number of riders allowed on ATVs. Thompson says adults should be allowed to operate the vehicles as they see fit. The manufacturers of ATVs warn the vehicles pose a serious safety risk with more than one person. They also say the vehicles become unsafe on paved roads. ATVs have become popular recreation for young adults and children. Currently, other than town's banning ATVs, under most circumstances they can be driven on state highways.
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