Posted on 08/20/2002 11:35:45 AM PDT by Tumbleweed_Connection
WASHINGTON -- Advocacy groups called Tuesday for a ban on young children riding all-terrain vehicles, saying a surge in deaths and injuries show the industry's efforts to enforce safety rules have failed.
Representatives from consumer, children's and environmental groups cited statistics showing injuries to ATV riders under 16 have nearly doubled in the last eight years.
"Self-regulation by the ATV industry has led to larger and faster ATVs and more children being killed and injured," said Rachel Weintraub, assistant general counsel to the Consumer Federation of America.
ATVs are motorized machines that can traverse off-road terrain. While popular for recreation, they also are used extensively by farmers and other workers whose jobs require travel over rough ground.
Rules for operating the vehicles vary widely by state. Some have no restrictions, while others require licenses for owners and operators and bar children under 16 from riding them.
The ATV industry has opposed some efforts to restrict use, saying it will hurt those who depend on ATVs for their livelihood and unfairly penalize safe operators...
(Excerpt) Read more at newsday.com ...
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