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Mark_Ockerbloom's Blog

by Mark_Ockerbloom from Dedham

Last Post 1 day, 1 hour Ago


ATVs and a safe ride are not always mentioned in the same sentence. That's why lawmakers are considering a bill that would require all riders wear a helmet and raise the legal age to drive all-terrain vehicles to 14. Right now kids 10-14 can drive ATVs with adult supervision. The bill would also require riders under 18 to complete a safety course and it would stiffen the penalties for those who don't follow the rules whether they're riding an ATV or a snowmobile.

(Check out Martin Morenz's report on this for more.)

At first glance, these changes sound like a good idea especially when kids and adults are being injured or worse yet killed at an alarming rate. Eight year old Sean Kearney of Plymouth and 14 year old James Anderson of Brockton lost their lives riding ATVs and according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, injuries to children riding ATVs have doubled since 1992. ATVSafety.gov reports 555 people were killed riding ATVs in 2006 and there were 146,600 trips to the emergency room. The number of deaths was lower than the three previous years, but still a big one.

Of course a large part of the problem is people not riding the vehicles properly and that can happen at any age which is why I'm not convinced raising the age is necessary, however I am sure that safety courses and wearing a helmet for all riders can only help prevent injuries when operating an open air vehicle that, unlike a car, offers little in the way of protection. How 'bout you?
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sirB read my blog
Aug 24, 2008 | 7:49 PM

Well Mark,

Safety is definitely important. All common sense says that you shouldn't just jump an a vehicle of any kind without some knowledge and training. And of course, safety gear. As far as raising the age? Might not be a bad idea, but unfortunately I have to bring up the old "parenting" thing. "Where are the parents?". Isn't that something that needs to be taken into consideration to some degree?

I think yes, their should be an age limit to vehicles/ATV's of a certain size and up.

Just my take.

fenwaydav read my blog view my photos
Aug 24, 2008 | 8:12 PM

Ock, I've read several times how these ATV roll over and kill the rider. Safety gear is a good start and parental supervision wouldn't hurt either.

Mark_Ockerbloom read my blog view my photos
Aug 24, 2008 | 8:18 PM

sirB,

I agree, the younger the rider, the more the parents need to be involved. For those who already are...ATV rides for families can be a fun and safe form of recreation.

Chip read my blog view my photos
Aug 24, 2008 | 9:28 PM

Each of my children began riding snowmobiles at 9 or 10. They were supervised and safe. Why should they be penalized?

Chip read my blog view my photos
Aug 24, 2008 | 10:26 PM

Let me say the same thing in a different way. Where was the supervision by the parents of the two unfortunate boys who were killed? I have been the supervising parent (with snowmobiles at oeast, although I don't know how that would matter). Our children behaved responsibly and safely.

Why doesn't the legislature pass a bill holding parents responsible for their supervisoin of their children, rather than punishing the parents who DO offer appropriate supervision?

arctic_cat_pal
Aug 24, 2008 | 10:33 PM

The question is, should there be a law to fix this issue of young drivers? Do you really thing that this will resolve anything? Do 14 year old kids buy these machines? All questions have the answer of no. The question to ask is how does the state need to assist in handling these kids not having the proper training to run these ATV's. There shold be a law created however the state needs to create laws that anyone under 18 yrs old needs to take a training class, anyone under 16 needs to ride in a pack with parents and an kids running a ATV over 100cc engines NEEDS to have the parent on the ATV with them. As you can see this is just one way to make everyone happy and keep the sport safe, that is the bottom line safe. Also the state of Mass needs to allow space for these ATV riders to ride them. The state wants the registration as revenue they need to open up more state parks ( with restrictions) My 2Cents.

polishwall
Aug 24, 2008 | 10:48 PM

Hey Mark,

I don't feel the children should be penalized because some parents are to irresponsible to watch their childen on ATVs or other recreational vehicles. After all it is the parents who purchase these machines so they should be held responsible for their childerns actions. Safety equipment and training is also important but it still is up to the parents to make sure their children are safe. After all, what happened to the days of people being responsible for their own actions - the many have to suffer because of the few.

On another note - when does the state plan to open more space for legal riding of ATVs. They're so willing to take your money for registrations just so they can tell you that you can't ride here and can't ride there.

arctic_cat_pal
Aug 24, 2008 | 10:59 PM

I have one more comment on the helmet law. As far as I know helmets are the law with snowmobiles, motorcycles and I was under the impression ATV's and dirt bikes also. If you are in the woods riding I guess to me it is a no btainer to wear the helmet. Also I raised my son to wear all the safety gear on his dirt bike and when he would drive an ATV.

Bottom line the bill that is in question needs to be re-written to work for everyone.

IntruderTlr
Aug 24, 2008 | 11:41 PM

A government age limit won't solve it.

Every ATV manufacturer already posts an age limit on the machine it sells.

Small ATV, dirt bikes, even snowmobiles, sells novice sized machines. Novice meaning supervised training/lack of experience.

I have seen "big","tall" young teenagers. They are too large physically for the manufacturers suggested size machine.

Their training/supervision is the key. Responsible parents need to step up and be involved.

There are few/very few. legal riding areas. This means transporting the machine to these areas and supporting these areas. IE.. registering the machine, joining a club, volunteering for trail maintenance, etc... is beyond just buying the machine or letting the child buy the machine and letting them loose on it.

critter171 read my blog
Aug 25, 2008 | 2:04 AM

Why dont they just reqiure a safety rule and get like atv linceses?

jovanone read my blog view my photos
Aug 25, 2008 | 7:34 AM

I’m sorry but I think these ATV’s should be band all together. They are the most dangerous things ever made. All the training in the world isn’t going to stop these kids from driving like maniacs when they all get together with their friends out of the site of their parents. Look and see how many of these kids get hurt from these ATV’s that flip over. Parents can’t be with their kids 24-7 and monitor everything their kids do. Kids are going to be kids lets face it, and that’s when they are susceptible of getting hurt. All kids like to show off in front of their friends regardless of how much training they get.

nomorehacks read my blog view my photos
Aug 25, 2008 | 7:48 AM

We need one State employee to die ,so to "Save one life", The state job can be eliminated!

Phatguy36
Aug 25, 2008 | 8:34 AM

Hi Mark:

I can’t express enough about how disappointed I am at our legislators and the citizens of Massachusetts. The death of a child is a traumatic experience to all, and no one ever wants to hear about underage children having their lives cut short. But it seems that some activities get more focus on the consequences of participation by children than others. Skiing, snowboarding, bike riding, skateboarding, swimming, traveling in a car and too many other related targets to list all have their tragic stories associated with them, especially when combined with a lack of parental supervision or parental common sense, which after all is the core issue that the legislators are trying to deal with in an activity selective manor.

My son and I have been riding ATVs’ since he was seven. I have personally selected the appropriate sized ATV for size age and experience, ranging from a 50cc model to his current 80cc model (he is 12 years old now). I have insured that he has had the full safety equipment needed to ride his ATV safely. I have personally trained him on the safe operation of an ATV, restricting the ATV power and running right beside him during his early years so that he could learn to ride just like I did when he first learned to ride his bike. And I have insured that he has taken and passed the New Hampshire ATV safety course so that we can begin to enjoy the fabulous trails available to us in our northerly neighbor. During our five plus years of our family orientated ATV riding excursions, he has NEVER been unsupervised and always rides along side me.

I can sa

mariane1
Aug 25, 2008 | 8:53 AM

ATV's are not dangerous with the proper training. My daugher is 10 years old and races her ATV on the Ice. She has the proper training and saftty gear. Parnets need to monitor their kids more. You need a key to start the machine and that key should not be in the childrens hand. No child should be unsupervised while riding. AVTing is a great family activity. More kids get hurt doing sports. So are we going to put an age limit on sports? Why punish the parents and children who follow the rules and monitor their kids.

ksw40
Aug 25, 2008 | 9:12 AM

This law is rediculous. My two boys have been riding atv's and motorcycles since they were 6 years old. They were taught from day one to respect the machines and to always wear the safety gear, and they are ALWAYS SUPERVISED. This is not going to guaranty they won't get hurt, but there are many other activities that children can get hurt or killed that are enjoyable to them. As you can see if you take a look at this document with stats on bicycle injuries (www.biausa.org/elements/aboutbi/factsheets/BicycleSafe
ty.pdf) Are they going to ban children from riding bicycles next. I don't think so.

duckguy
Aug 25, 2008 | 11:29 AM

Protection is a must for all riders no matter what age. Wasting time and money on this fact is rediculous. The state should spend the money on opening more riding areas where safe and responsible riding can take place. There are a very small number of areas that atvs can be ridden legally and that makes people ride in areas that may not be maitained and possibly dangerous. Open areas that will promote safe use of these vehicles. Walkers,moutain bikers, and bikers don't pay registration fees to use trails. I have to pay to register my atv. Where does my atv registration money go?

NorthernObserver read my blog
Aug 25, 2008 | 12:06 PM

How does this ATV legislation differ from say Snow Mobile rules? To me it is the same thing only a different time of the year.

chaz-man
Aug 25, 2008 | 2:02 PM

Mark,

Thanks for starting this post. I have done a good deal of research regarding this topic and the unfortunate reason as to why it has received so much attention recently. I have ridden off road motorcycles since the age of 8 and I am now 40. Several years ago as ATVs grew in popularity I purchased one. For me it has been a great experience and a lot of fun. As my oldest child grew in age and became interested in recreational motor sports, I first purchased a 50cc dirt bike for him to learn to ride on. Later I purchased a 50cc ATV for him to ride. I would have to admit his Mother who is not at all interested in recreational motor sports was somewhat hesitant to agree to these purchases due to her safety concerns. I have participated in recreational motor sports for the past 32 years and I am not suggesting there is no concern for potential injury, but wearing the proper safety equipment, riding an appropriate sized ATV or motorcycle, riding safely and in control, and riding with respect for the environment can drastically reduce these concerns. For a child it is also a must that they ride with ADULT SUPERVISION. My son and I have ridden our ATVs and Motorcycles on my property and in the State Parks in Massachusetts where riding them is permitted. We have had some great experiences together that we will remember forever. I hope as my other children grow older in age that if they are interested in recreational motor sports I will have the opportunity to enjoy it with them as I have with my son. This bill unfairly penalizes good, law abiding, families and i

spleen
Aug 25, 2008 | 2:26 PM

This law also targets dirtbikes and snowmobiles. I was a little let down that Fox News' report skipped that part.

It should have also been noted that if this law go through, it will now be illegal for these kids to ride on their own property.

chaz-man
Aug 25, 2008 | 2:39 PM

Con't. This bill unfairly penalizes good, law abiding, families and individuals. The majority of this bill can be addressed by EDUCATION and communication and not critical restrictions. I would venture a guess that the individuals promoting this bill and/or voting on this bill have never participated in recreational motor sports? My kids also participate in organized sports such as Baseball, Football, Softball, Gymnastics, and Cheer Leading. When I was 17 I underwent 4 plus hours of knee reconstruction due to a High School Football injury. I have witnessed many accidents in organized sporting activities with kids since I coach multiple sports. Some were very serious. We do everything we can to protect the players but accidents happen. What is most important is the supervision we provide as coaches. My son understands with out a doubt that he is NOT to even start his ATV or Motorcycle with out me being present. I do not feel we should be punished because of the lack of supervision by other parents and/or adults. Don’t judge me when you don’t even know me. If we judge people based on the behavior of others wouldn’t we all be in prison? Riding is a freedom we immensely enjoy and deserve to be able to participate in. I am not against regulation that instructs participants to utilize Helmets and the proper safety equipment. I am also not against regulations that have rules regarding the size of a machine with respect to the riders age and ability, but I feel not allowing kids under age 14 to ride these machines is wrong. My son began riding when he was 8 and

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Mark_Ockerbloom

I anchor the Fox 25 News at 5, 10 & 11pm and want to hear from you. Feel free to drop me a line anytime.

Member Since: 10/17/2006