Some things never change…Recently, the Shreveport Times reported on resistance to ATV (4-wheeler) legislation that would have required stricter regulations. Here is the problem with that logic. It won’t work.
Twenty years ago, the Consumer Product Safety Commission responded to safety concerns by negotiating a consent decree with ATV manufacturers.
The decree required manufacturers to, among other things, halt production of three-wheelers and offer safety training to new ATV owners who purchase vehicles through authorized dealerships.
Additionally, ATV manufacturers are required to recommend adult-sized ATVs only for those ages 16 and older and label all ATVs with warnings, instructing purchasers that children should not ride adult-size ATVs.
Most of the injuries reported in the news deal with riding irresponsibly – speeding, too large an ATV for the rider’s skills, etc. Look, I’ve been riding ATV’s since I was 9 years old. I started out riding mini-bikes and 3-wheelers, which are now banned. In my entire life with thousands and thousands of hours of riding for recreation, I am yet to turn one over.
Smith is familiar with the negative impact of ATV use among teens. Her son, B.J., suffered a disabling accident three years ago when he swerved to avoid a dog while riding an adult-sized ATV at about 60 mph.
Now 18, B.J.’s brain injury left him unable to complete high school and reduced his vision to 40 percent.
Smith is a member of Concerned Families for ATV Safety, which advocates complete ATV abstinence for those under 16.
Let’s read that again – he was 16 years riding an adult-sized ATV at 60 mph and swerved to avoid a dog. There is no legislation that would have prevented that. He would have been riding too fast for conditions anyway, been on an ATV beyond his skill level, still swerved to miss the dog, and still have medical issues.
I’m sorry for the mother and her son, but you can’t legislate irresponsible riding away.
Louisianians resistant to ATV legislation
By Keli Jacobi • kcjacobi@thenewsstar.com • October 6, 2008 6:44 am
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081006/NEWS01/81006008/1060/NEWS01
