Some of guys have probally already read this article, but I haven't seen anyone post it for comments yet, so I thought I would put it up.

"Seven major ATV manufacturers submitted an open letter to the West Virginia Legislature urging passage of ATV safety legislation during its current session. The letter calls on lawmakers to establish clear age limits and other safety rules on ATV operation that have been long advocated by the industry and pro-safety organizations."

"State legislation regulating the safe use of ATVs is the important missing element in West Virginia" says Roger Haige, director of public affairs at Kawasaki and chairman of the board of trustees at the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America[SVIA]. "We hope that this session is the time that West Virginia joins most other states in passing ATV safety legislation."

The open letter urged the West Virginia Legislature to include in any ATV safety legislation provisions contained in SVIA's model legislation, such as.............

[1] prohibiting the use of adult-sized ATVs by children under 16,
[2]barring multiple riders on a single-rider vehicle,
[3]requiring riders to wear helmets and eye protection while riding, and
[4]banning ATV use on public roadways.


The letter was signed by ArcticCat, Bombardier, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki, and Yamaha.

Nearly 9 out of 10 acidents---88%---ending in fatalities in the past 6 years in West Virginia involved behaviors by ATV riders that the industry warns against in owner's manuals, on product labels, and in rider education programs.

 

This is nothing more than the manufacturers trying to guard themselves against frivolous law suits that are brought on by people who don't have the stones to accept responsibility for their own actions. It's the old syndrome of "Hold my beer, I'm gonna try something" Now who can I hold responsibile? When they built this thing and sold it to me they should have known I was stupid enough to try this so it must be their fault.

If they can get government to inact regulations, they can limit their own liability and you can't blame them for that. They're trying to protect themselves as best they can. The only problem is, how long before we regulate away all our freedoms in an attempt to protect ourselves from the idiots of the world?

 

LOL.....well regulation finally passed. The main point is kids under a certain age must wear helmets....a good thing. But, atving is done OFFROAD....where are the people too enforce the new make-shift law? Cruising up and down the highway. The reason why it took years too get something passed is because there was no cash available in the decision. You can still drive up and down the highways if you wish....center line or not. This is another good example of laws being passed that will make little too no difference.