Post by Wyldcomfort on Feb 25, 2007 0:04:32 GMT -5
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has proposed four new laws for the 2007 Oregon Legislature. Each proposal deals with some aspect of ATV safety or protection on public lands. Based on recent trends, the department has decided the only responsible course of action is to propose laws to improve rider safety. Below is the four proposals and their application.
1) Passengers – Most ATV’s are not designed to carry passengers. Attempting to carry passengers on those ATV’s can make them unstable. Accidents involving ATV’s with passenger killed 15 people between 1984 and 2004.
Proposal – Passenger restrictions for Class I and III all terrain vehicles. Only vehicles designed to transport more than one person will be permitted to carry passengers. Manufacturers state whether or not a vehicle is suitable for passengers.
2) Helmets – A recent Consumer Products Safety Commission study reported, “Helmets could have saved the lives of nearly 25% of the people who died from head injuries in ATV-related accidents.” Currently only riders under the age of 18 are required to ride a helmet.
Proposal – Helmets would be required for all riders and their passengers on Class I and Class III all-terrain vehicles, regardless of age, on land open for public use.
3) TITLING – Oregon has no law that requires proof of ownership when selling a used ATV. As such, stolen ATV’s may be sold easily in Oregon.
Proposal – Mandatory Class I and Class III all-terrain vehicle titling. This would require all new or used Class I and Class III all-terrain vehicles purchased after January 1, 2008 for recreational purposes on public lands in Oregon be titled through the Oregon Department of Transportation.
4) SAFETY TRAINING - As ATV riding becomes more popular, deaths and injuries are increasing. Over the last 20 years, 109 people have died in ATV accidents in Oregon. Safety training is available but very few people complete the course.
Proposal – Under Oregon law, all operators of Class I and Class III vehicles would be required to complete a certified training to operate ATV’s on public lands in Oregon.
1) Passengers – Most ATV’s are not designed to carry passengers. Attempting to carry passengers on those ATV’s can make them unstable. Accidents involving ATV’s with passenger killed 15 people between 1984 and 2004.
Proposal – Passenger restrictions for Class I and III all terrain vehicles. Only vehicles designed to transport more than one person will be permitted to carry passengers. Manufacturers state whether or not a vehicle is suitable for passengers.
2) Helmets – A recent Consumer Products Safety Commission study reported, “Helmets could have saved the lives of nearly 25% of the people who died from head injuries in ATV-related accidents.” Currently only riders under the age of 18 are required to ride a helmet.
Proposal – Helmets would be required for all riders and their passengers on Class I and Class III all-terrain vehicles, regardless of age, on land open for public use.
3) TITLING – Oregon has no law that requires proof of ownership when selling a used ATV. As such, stolen ATV’s may be sold easily in Oregon.
Proposal – Mandatory Class I and Class III all-terrain vehicle titling. This would require all new or used Class I and Class III all-terrain vehicles purchased after January 1, 2008 for recreational purposes on public lands in Oregon be titled through the Oregon Department of Transportation.
4) SAFETY TRAINING - As ATV riding becomes more popular, deaths and injuries are increasing. Over the last 20 years, 109 people have died in ATV accidents in Oregon. Safety training is available but very few people complete the course.
Proposal – Under Oregon law, all operators of Class I and Class III vehicles would be required to complete a certified training to operate ATV’s on public lands in Oregon.