Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — ATVs are the leading cause of Off-Highway Vehicle fatalitites and officials are working to decrease the number of deaths.
Chris Haller, Utah State Parks OHV Program Coordinator said nine people have been killed thus far in 2014 — an increase from eight ATV fatalitites last year. Haller said in 2012, there were 14 OHV fatalitites and his department is working to decrease those numbers each year.
"Whenever we can get a positive message out — hopefully it influences people before they ever head out on to the trail — I think it's extremely worth while," Haller said. "Nine is way too many. It's a tragic thing."
Haller said there are several factors that his department has detected that haved contributed to an increase in fatalities.
Driving while under the influence
Haller said Utah State Parks officials are starting to see a rising trend of people driving OHVs while under the influence. He said four of the fatalities in 2013 were alcohol related. He emphasized that the same laws for regular motor vehicles apply to ATVs, UTVs (side-by-sides) and snowmobiles.
"I don't know if that's just more of human behavior, if people believe the rules or the laws that are applicable to roadway traffic or pavement traffic are not applicable in the dirt environment. And that's not true. The same stiff and harsh penalties that exist with driving a motor vehicle also apply to driving an ATV or a side-by-side or an off-highway motorycle or snowmobiles."
Haller said people who have been drinking need to treat the situation as they would with a car and they should give the keys to their OHV to someone else. Individuals who drive an OHV under the influnce will receive the same DUI citations as they would driving a motor vehicle.
Not wearing a helmet
Of the nine fatalities involving ATVs this year, Haller said four were a result of not wearing a helmet or proper riding gear. He cautioned individuals to always wear a helmet and other necessary gear while operating an OHV.
"By protecting your brain, that is a critical piece of gear someone should have on whenever they are riding," Haller said. "Even if it's just around the corner to go over to the grandparent's house or something. Even if they are in a little community."
Utah law requires all individuals under 18 years old to wear a helmet whenever riding or operating an OHV, according to the State Parks website.
Not having the proper education
Another critical component to operating an OHV is having the knowledge and education, Haller said. Individuals need to know how to drive, brake and turn their ATV before they climb on it.
"If you aren't familiar with the machine or you are at your friend's cabin and you are borrowing (a machine), read the owner's manual and read those placards on the side of the machine," Haller said.
It is illegal for children under the age of 8 to operate an OHV and individuals between the ages of 8 and 15 are required to pass an OHV education certification class, according to Utah law. The online training course is $30 per student and only needs to be passed once. When an individual receives a certified driver's license, they still need to be under direct parent supervision (within eye sight) while operating an OHV until they turn 18.
Haller said even in rural areas and on private property in ranching communities, youths under the age of 15 need to complete the safety course.
Riding within your ability
Haller said anyone operating an ATV or other OHV needs to ride within their ability. Don't drive too fast for the trail or road conditions and don't negotiate hills if you don't have the necessary skills.
"Going too fast can contribute to a situation," he said. "If you don't feel comfortable in operating it or you don't feel comfortable about going up a hill or something along those lines, don't do it. If you don't feel comfortable negotiating a hill, don't succumb to peer pressure. Just tell your friends you will go a different route and meet them on the trail."
Haller also said that children and teenagers need to have a proper sized machine so they can be in control of operating it.
"We don't want to lose anybody through a careless mistake or a tragic accident," he said.
