Readers share their views on ATV safety
GMI
We asked: Kids are warned against riding large and more powerful all-terrain vehicles meant for adults. But many ignore the advice and the increasing number of injuries and deaths is prompting the government to review the voluntary standards and safety proposals for ATVs. Should children 16 and younger be allowed to ride an ATV meant for adults? If so, should they be required to be trained and licensed?
You said: Comments appear here as they were submitted to the Statesman Journal. They are listed in the order in which they came with the most recent at the top.
Some comments without authors' names have been omitted. The poll was online June 9.
I believe that everyone should take a safety course. I used to ride on the dunes for years every summer, and I have watched many people, adults as well as children, ride countless hours and miles without incidence. I have observed countless parents instilling safety in their kids by teaching them how to ride around others, as well as wearing all the safety gear, espicially helmets. Not all people can afford to buy smaller ATV's for their kids, but at the same time, they should understand that they need to make sure that the kids know just what the machine is capable of doing if they ride in a manner they are not capable of. Accidents happen. I have had my share. We all have to be aware of that fact. I do not believe that the government can make everyone take a safety course or be licenced, because that would be too costly on our over-stretched budgets today. We don't even have enough police for our hiways much less for public riding area's. And what about private property?
Terry Geiger, 47, Construction, Salem
Is it not IRONIC that Cycle County is on the top of the Statesman Journal home page??? It says in big letters, "FREEDOM OF CHOICE." That hits the nail on the head. Parents, NOT government, it is YOUR choice to teach your child to be safe on an ATV or not let them on one in the first place!!!
Bill, 54, Doctor, Portland
Holy smokes people!! Does not our government have bigger and better things to worry about and deal with other than a kid on an ATV?? When is it going to be time for the parents to stand up and take responsibility for their children. I feel sorry for the parents of Kyle but his mother said she was not informed when the purchase of the ATV was made. My god, it does not take a master mind to figure out that if the machine is three or four times bigger than the kid, maybe they shouldn't be riding it. It is time parents use their head, think, take control of what their children do and let our government deal with bigger and better things.
Don, 30, Professional, Salem
The size limits are unrelistic for some kids. It is and should be ultimatly the parents responsibility to monitor and teach their children the proper saftey and riding techniques. We dont neeed the govt telling us what to do on any more things we enjoy.
Tim, 29, production, Dallas
Are children allowed to use firearms without parental supervision? Just a thought. Children under the age of 16 need parental supervion at all times. I have witnessed many children riding large atv;s without a parent in sight at the dunes. All the rules in the world will not protect children if parents refuse to or do not accept responsiblity for their safety.
Spencer MacDonald, 59, Designer, Salem
We would like to set the record straight. We aren't trying to blame anyone and we aren't trying to make any money by doing this. We know we made a horrible mistake by letting Kyle ride a small adult size ATV. We are doing this ONLY to WARN other parents not to make the same mistake we did, and if you are letting your child ride one now, Think Twice! It only takes a split second and you can lose that child forever. It's certainly not worth it. Please listen to our WARNING!
Sue and Tom Rabe, 46 & 53, Homemaker and Enginneer, Turner
I don't feel that many ignore the advise, it's just they don't think it will ever happen to them. There are warning labels on EVERYTHING. Do people really read all of them? People need to be told at the time of puchase not to ever put a child under 16 on an adult size ATV. No amount of training or safety gear will save a child when 500lbs lands on them. Children should have to be 16 and have a drivers licence to operate one just like a car. After all, they can go highway speed and they have NO safety equipment on them. It's not worth the risk for a few minutes of fun.
Joan, 48, High School Teacher, Eugene
This story is a little ridiculous in several ways. It comes back to how people use the ATV. I belong to a local club that promotes and believes in recreational safety. The Club has raised money for public programs and promoted the concept where possible. I personally grew up around farm equipment, and not many get that opportunity. Because a public course was not available here at the time, I gave my children written and hands on tests before I allowed them to ride. Being in the club and around people that are also following those rules/concepts keeps by children of that mind. I believe people that haven't grown up around other individuals and vehicles of this type are more likely to have problems than otherwise. Some are always trying to put the blame on individuals where it doesn't belong. Sales people should not be the enforcement for these concepts. Besides which, sales people don't have an isle for parental common sense.
Roger, 54, Retired from Computer job, Salem
No!! My husband and I go to Sand Lake almost every weekend we can and we have seen so many children hurt by riding adult bikes! Would you stick a 8 year old behind the wheel of a car and expect them to drive correctly? These bikes are not designed for a childs size and are easy for even an adult to be hurt on.
Kathryn Seney, 22, Customer Service Rep, Salem
We have an ATV and every person under 21 who has ridden it has turned it over! Not sure why - but we see the need for training definetly! A motorized vehicle of any kind poses a danger to the untrained.
Bill & Larene Zoerner, 40's, Social Services, Salem
I think with the proper training they should be allowed to ride what they want...they should pass a test inorder to ride just like with driver license with them....
wendi, 31, bookkeeper, salem
No. And irresponisible adults who allow kids access to dangerous toys and weapons should be arrested for child abuse.
Tim Nibbits, 26, Potato Chip Sacker, Salem
I have seen kids 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16-years old that were bigger than myself, and I'm 47. I think that the parents should be responsible and have their kids enrolled in safety courses to learn proper riding techniques and help prevent accidents. As the father of 7 kids (18 - 29), I have taught my kids how to ride properly, wear safety equipment, and bought them the correct sized quad for their age, size, as well as their ability to ride. Kids, as well as adults, will still get injured. Making laws to try and prevent this is absurd. Parents that claim "I wasn't informed" that a quad or dirt bike could roll over on a child or adult is like saying "I didn't know that the coffee was hot and would burn me if it spilled on me". That's irresponsibility on the parents part. Learn what you are buying before you buy it and train your kids how to ride. We don't wait until they turn 16 and give them the keys to the car for the first time without some type of instruction. Let's use some common sense.
Wes Reeves, 47, Real Estate Investor, Salem
Where are the parents of children under 16, that they do not monitor what their children are doing. There are many activities younger children can participate in when supervised by an adult, but it is up to the parents to act like a parent & be the one to decide when an activity is safe for their children, for their age. As a parent, I decided when it was safe for my son to be riding the larger ATV's, I did not depend on the manufacturer to be standing at my shoulder with a warning. Parents need to stop treating ATV's, video games, etc. as baby sitters and start taking responsibity for their children. Doesn't anyone remember how to use the word NO anymore? It is NOT the manufacturers responsibility to watch your children, it is yours.
Viki B., way over 21, Warehouse Manager, Salem
I've ridden ATV's since I was five. I go camping and I personally see kids on ATV's where parents let their kids ride bikes that are way too big--their feet don't even touch the pegs and no saftey features, i.e. helmets, kill switch, etc. I feel that if a child gets hurt, killed or whatever, it is the parent's responsibility and they should not be able to sue anyone--it is the parent's own fault, be responsible. In regards to the child in Turner, the parents should have known the bike was too big and too much power-I ride the same type of bike he was riding when the accident occurred. Also, it says you should never ride alone, or double, or ride a large bike if under 16--use common sense.
Shannon, 25, Dental Assistant, Salem
As an avid ATV rider myself, and yes, my child rode from age 5 on--and is still riding and has taken the safety course and ridden ATV's appropriately sized her entire life. Children under 16 should NEVER be allowed to ride an adult sized ATV--but parents buy them anyway--will not tell the salesman they are purchasing for a child and will allow the child to ride an ATV that is way too large! If government wants to get more involved, TRAIN the parents! A normal person wouldn't think of giving a child under the age of 16 the keys to the car and say "go drive" without proper training or instruction--same should be true for ALL ATV's. Instruction is optional now, but SHOULD BE MANDATORY if buying an ATV for a child--no matter what size the engine or the vehicle is.
Alice MacDonald, 58, Retired, Salem
Kids 16 and under should be allowed if their PARENTS say it is ok and teach them well. Training and licensing is just another way Big Brother steals your money and asserts more of its authority and control.
Justin, 27, Sales, Salem
Safety training should be mandatory(for all ages). This means: the right saftey equipment to be worn at all times when riding an ATV that is appropriate for the age of the rider. The safety training teaches that children should not ride an ATV meant for adults. It teaches the basic techniques to ride the ATV safely. Parents need to follow the guidelines that have been set out, take an insterest in what their children are doing and be there when they are riding ATV's. An ATV is not a babysitter. It is definatley not a toy. Stupid Hurts
DW, 58, retired, Aumsville
We are an ATV family and I believe that common sense for the size of the child and their maturity play a big part of the size of ATV they should ride. I believe a safety course is important. But Adult supervision is where it all starts. As long as that adult is setting the right example for their children. I do not believe that a license is going to make a difference. I belong to a sand club that has a concern for atv safety and makes sure that the children in the club learn the safety, respect of property and the environment while still having fun.
Elaine, 39, Child Care Provider, Keizer
I don't think that this should necessarily go to the extreme of having a "license" but some mandatory training classes seem appropiate. It it true that we don't need the government to intervene/controll this particular issue, but training is important. Its not much different than going scuba diving (a potentially dangerous sport), for the most part you need to take a class and be certified to participate in this. So why not with ATV(ing)? Being a parent I completely understand that it is our responsibility but lets face it people, there are a lot of stupid parents out there and parents whom are "kids" themselves. So, is it fair for us to say that "Hey since your parents are incompetent, your safety is not my problem, and hey we are just cleaning up the gene pool this way?"
JW, 25, SH, Salem
I don't think that this should necessarily go to the extreme of having a "license" but some mandatory training classes seem appropiate. It it true that we don't need the government to intervene/controll this particular issue, but training is important. Its not much different than going scuba diving (a potentially dangerous sport), for the most part you need to take a class and be certified to participate in this. So why not with ATV(ing)? Being a parent I completely understand that it is our responsibility but lets face it people, there are a lot of stupid parents out there and parents whom are "kids" themselves. So, is it fair for us to say that "Hey since your parents are incompetent, your safety is not my problem, and hey we are just cleaning up the gene pool this way?"
JW, 25, SH, Salem
An ATV meant for adults is just that. There are ATV's that are made for children, they do not go as fast, and are safer. A child needs to be supervised, and that goes for all activities.
Valerie Johnson, 44, Sales, Accounting, Salem
No and the new site is highly inferior.
tim king, 40, bookseller, Salem
I would just like to know where the parents are... I have seen many children riding without helmets! If the children are to big for the ATV that they should ride then let them ride the right size.. however,how many of you have seen kids on these things that are way to big for them? It all boils down to being responsible for your children.. the government should not have to help you raise your children. I feel that parents that allow there children to ride unsafe ATV's are abusing their children.
Toni, 30, Homemaker, mother of 2, Keizer
Absolutely not, these vehicles are specifically designed for adults, and children tend to not be able to handle an "adult size" ATV just merely based on the size.
Jennifer, 26, Massage Therapist, Salem
HI, MY NAME IS ROBIN SZYMKOWSKI I AM A WALWORTH COUNTY WISCONSIN RESIDENT AND ATV OWNER. MANY KIDS ARE JUST TO BIG TO RIDE A LITTLE 90CC. WE NEED TO LOOK OVER THE LAW/ORDINANCE AND UPDATE IT. ATV'S ARE A GROWING SPORT THAT CAN BE ENJOYED BY ALL AGES.WE JUST NEED TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION AND NOT THE PROBLEM. BETTER PARENTING AND ATV EDUCATION WOULD BE A GOOD START. I CANT IMAGINE BUYING ANY ATV,SNOWMOBILE,BOAT OR DIRT BIKE WITHOUT THINKING THERE WOULDNT BE SOME KIND OF RISK FACTOR. ALL ATV'S HAVE WARNING STICKERS AND MOST HAVE SAFETY VIDEOS. THERE IS ATV TRAINING AVAILABLE. JUST LIKE HUNTERS SAFETY. WE ALLOW A 12 YEAR OLDS TO GO TO HUNTERS SAFETY AND DEER HUNT.WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE MORE DANGEROUS? ATV OR GUN? ITS UP TO US AS ADULTS TO PAY ATTENTION TO OUR RESPONSIBILITY OF OUR CHILDREN DOING ANY AND ALL ACTIVITIES.
ROBIN SZYMKOWSKI, 38, OFFICE, ELKHORN
We are a family of ATVers. I do not need the government to tell me what is safe for my children or not. We teach our children safety and they have safety equipment. Just like anything else, children need their parent's present and attentive. I do not feel it is the government's job to raise my children. One reason I disagree with this is that each child is different. I have a 13 year old that is 5'8" and about 140 lbs, he is the size of many adults and a responsible young man. I cannot imagine him on a little 90 ATV, it is a joke for him. Again, this should be the responsibility of the parents.
Debra, 39, Retired, Salem
Heck Yeah. If we're going to allow children to ride vehicles constructed in every way for adults only, let's allow them to sit in bars and drink too! Of course, they'd have to sign a "Waiver of Responsibility" that they wouldn't drink and then drive their ATV. (Sarcasm intended).
J F, 66, Retired, Salem
NO! If it wern't for a bunch of dumb kids knocking themselves out of the picture there would be alot more people to share the planet with. I don't like that idea because I need elbow room.
Chip, 32, truck driver, Salem
Parents should supervise their kids and deem if it is appropriate for them to ride ATV's that are built for adults. Most kids that age have the ability, skill, and size to control vehicles built for adults. Overall it should be the parents decision if they should ride or not.
Scott, 27, State Worker, Salem
I am an ATV owner and have taken the state and federal training. It is hard to control one in rough areas for an adult. It would be impossible for a young person. A person 16 and older should be required to go to training and be licensed (adults included). If you are not old enough to drive a car, you'r not old enough to opperate an ATV.
Marilyn Freeze, 50, Internal Auditor, Fort Worth
Just like everything else, slap a law to it and take our money. When are we all going to realize you can't control stupid......
James Briney, 48, Construction, Salem
Just what we need, the government to play parent to yet another program. How much Tax money are we going to spend on this? Why can't parents DO THEIR JOBS to keep kids off or keep kids safe? If you're not responsible enough to teach your kids properly, and something happens, don't blame the government for not holding your hand. Take some ownership for your actions. The government should keep the voluntary standards. It IS that simple.
Robert Johnson, 27, Juvenile Dept., Monmouth
I believe that the primary responsibility for these children lies with the adults who are their parents. After the amount of press covering this type of incident, including the one in Turner three years ago that led to an article in Readers Digest a few months ago, parents who claim to not have had this information are only deluding themselves. These are full sized vehicles that are not designed for young children and can be inherently dangerous. Parents should go back to being parents and tell their children NO! This is not rocket science this is parenting. Part of raising your children to be responsible and caring adults and parents themselves is saying no and making is stick.
ken Stepp, 40, Corrections, Independence
