Halifax -
Spurred by four recent all-terrain vehicle accidents in Massachusetts involving children under 16, the State Senate has passed expanded regulations for ATVs.
The bill proposes to limit the use of ATVs by minors and requiring owners to register their vehicles before using them.
If approved, the new law will be used primarily to monitor the use of ATVs and reduce the injuries sustained by operators unaware of the dangers of riding such a vehicle.
The bill requires all persons riding an ATV to wear a helmet, and prohibits minors from operating an ATV without proper training. Under the law, any owner who allows an operator under the age of 18 to use an ATV will assume responsibility for any damage or injury the user may cause.
It also bans ATV use by anyone under the age of 14 and limits the engine size of ATVs for children between the ages of 14 and 16.
The legislation has already received support throughout the community.
“Safety comes first,” said Armand Rodrigue Jr., who works at Armand’s Power Sports in Halifax. “I’m totally for making these laws if it means keeping people safe. These machines come with labels on them that state children under a certain age shouldn’t be on them.”
Rodrigue went on to mention that some of the vehicles actually come with helmets and a certificate to the ATV Vehicle Safety Institute of America in order to promote safe practice.
Plymouth resident Katie Kearney has been meeting with legislators over the past several months in order to get the bill passed. Her 8-year-old son, Sean, was killed while riding on an ATV at a friend’s house.
“We were horrified at how many people were hurt while riding these things,” said Kearney.“ Accountability is the only way to prevent this. We just don’t want to see another family lose a child to something that’s so preventable.”
Medical professionals have also supported the legislation, saying the bill will lead to safer use of ATVs.
A press release from State Senate President Therese Murray’s office cited Massachusetts General Hospital trauma surgeon Dr. Peter T. Masiakos’ support for the bill.
“This legislation will undoubtedly save the lives of many children and stem the tide of the preventable brain injuries and paralysis that have become commonplace in the trauma centers of this commonwealth.” Maskiakos wrote.
But the bill will do more than just reduce injury and ensure that ATVs are registered. The possibility having a strict set of laws to enforce will protect public and private property. Specific vehicles that may damage terrain will be prohibited in certain areas. Furthermore, any operator caught trespassing onto private property while riding an ATV will be fined.
The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.
