Post by Wyldcomfort on May 10, 2007 21:53:32 GMT -5
Hello everyone, I have been sooooo busy the last few days, not to mention a bit sick. I just couldn't resist doing a little more research on the computer last night - I attached a few finds but most I found are redundant. I am very concerned with the articles the Oregonian is about to release. It sounds like the blame will again be placed on the industry and Consumer Product Safety Commission rather than parents who fail in supervising their children. Hopefully, he will also address the most important area so often neglected - the need for Adult supervision, training, and rider fit. We have done some amazing things with SB101 - it would be a shame if that is discounted in this story. I pray that Jeff Manning, the reporter, is fair in his story and more than anything is concerned with actually making a real difference rather than sensationalize only half truths. We need to remember who the victims are - it isn't the parent who hands the keys to a kid and lets them ride without any supervision then passes blame to the industry and sport- BUT to the children who are alone, often without helmets, and generally on private property or illegally on roadways. There is a long list of dangers to children (Pools, rivers, horses, sports, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, hanging out with friends, climbing trees, computer use, and doing nothing) that are not dangerous with parental or adult supervision. But think of the many benefits when families spend time with their kids and involve themselves in these activities. As a society why are we so willing to excuse parents from their most basic responsibility? Lindy
Oregonian ATV Series
Today's Oregonian, section C10, carries a 1/2 page ad with a picture of an ATV rider and a memorial with the headline, "Why ATVS pose a deadly risk."
This is what the ad states:
"Beginning Sunday and over four days, The Oregonian documents the dangers of riding ATVs - all-terrain vehicles - and how the industry has largely escaped regulation across the country, and in Oregon. It is a story of injury and death, of a determined industry and of toothless enforcement by the very government agency charged with protecting consumers."
**********************************************************************
OHV Demographic and Economic Statistics
Note: This data was presented in March 2003 at the National OHV Managers Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. This document was written from notes taken by thingy Dufourd , Central Oregon OHV Coordinator.
Sales and Demographic Data:
1. Of the OHVers in 1997, the East was 63% ATVs, the South was 72%, and the West was 53%
2. In 1997, there were 3.9 million ATVs (66%) and 2.0 million OHMs (off-highway motorcycles)(34%)
3. In 2002, there were 800,000 ATV sales (73%) and 300,000 OHM sales (27%). That’s almost 2200 ATVs sold per day nationally. OHM sales are flat.
4. From 1997- 2002, OHV sales have increased 171% in the West (355% in California)
5. The average ATV rider age is 40, OHM is 30
6. About 70% of use is on weekends
7. ATV riders are 90% male, OHM riders are 95% male
8. In households that participate in OHV recreation, there are 2.9 riders
9. About 43% of OHV riders have professional/managerial occupations
10. In a Tennessee survey:
a. the average ATV group size is 3.8 and OHM group size is 6.9
b. when camping, the average length of stay is 3 days
c. the average day use is 6 hours
d. there are 153,000 ATVs and only 46,000 OHMs
e. the motivation to OHV recreate is: #1 enjoy natural scenery
#2 escape everyday stresses
#3 social, family and friends
#4 exploration
#5 challenge
f. riders want campsites, long trails, touring opportunities, play areas, quality signing and mapping
11. According to USDA Forest Service, the number of OHV recreationists in US:
5 million in 1972
20 million in 1983
28 million in 1995
36 million in 2000
72% ride on public lands
12. In a recent survey of children, 50% would prefer a virtual tour of the outdoors rather than be in the outdoors. About 20% of the kids in Los Angeles have never been to the ocean.
13. Our population will grow another 50 million in 20 years (275 million to 325 million)
14. In Maripopa County, Arizona which is the 3rd poorest county in the state, 90,000 ATVs were sold last year.
15. On the Paiute Trail in Utah, there were 1,000 riders in 1990 (it was relatively new) and 60,000 in 2001. About 75% of the use is non-local.
Economic Data:
1. The average OHV recreationist spends $500/trip
2. In 1998, the total OHV economic value was $18 billion. This includes $2.7 billion in sales, $2.4 billion in parts, and $10 billion for trips.
3. In the Tennessee survey, the OHV economic impact was $5.7 billion (their timber industry is $5.0 billion)
4. The average annual income for an ATV rider is $60,000, and the average OHM income is $40,000
5. In an effort to revitalize depressed communities in southern Utah, the Paiute ATV trail was established. This has a 238-mile core trail system with another 550 miles of side trails that connect to 16 communities.
a. in the mid-80s, Marysvale had 7 businesses, but with the trail, there are 21 businesses today
b. in 1996, a new RV park was built in Marysvale with 20 units, it expanded to 40 units in 1999 and 80 units in 2001. It is booked well over a year in advance.
c. during Jamboree week, riders spend $500,000
d. the average rider spends $110/riding day
e. this previously depressed area now receives $5 million/year from OHV recreationists.
6. The Hatfield-McCoy trail system in West Virginia is only two years old and has 400 miles in 4 counties. This trail system will eventually be 2,000 miles in the heart of the economically depressed Appalachia.
a. there were 6,000 trail permits sold in 2001, 14,000 in 2002, and 20,000 (est) for 2003
b. in the two years, 6 outfitter-guide businesses have formed, 9 campgrounds have been built, and 2 new hotels have been built
c. two years ago, none of the existing businesses were turning a profit, today, all of the businesses have some level of profit margin
*******************************************************************************
I find this article very interesting - we are willing to hold an adult responsible and actually award a huge amount of money because they allowed a child to ride without supervision - BUT we won't even consider a minimal fine or even a whisper and thought of holding a parent accountable for the very same thing. Go figure....Lindy
April 23rd, 2007
"$20 Million Awarded in ATV Accident"
The parents of a 13-year-old boy who died after losing control of a borrowed all-terrain vehicle (ATV) was awarded $20 million in economic and non-economic damages.
Donald “D.J.” Roberts was in middle school in 2002 when he lost his life in an ATV accident . According to the wrongful death lawsuit, D.J.'s parents claim that Timothy Mark Taylor—the man who invited the teenager over to ride the vehicle—was responsible for the 1986 Honda ATV and therefore, should be held liable for the damages resulting from the accident.
According to Hendrik Uiterwyk, the plaintiff's lawyer, D.J. “was almost decapitated” when he crashed the ATV into a barbed wire fence. Another young boy was also on the vehicle and suffered some injuries.
The civil suit accused Taylor of negligence and wrongdoing for failing to supervise the kids, neglecting to secure the ignition, and failing to ensure the vehicle was property maintained and in “safe” condition. The defendant never appeared in court nor were any attorneys there to represent him.
Although the parents got a favorable verdict, “it doesn't bring them any pleasure because they still lost a 13-year-old son,” Uiterwyk said.
Kentucky Legislation:: We are not alone!! I wonder how it worked out for them and who was behind it..
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION
GENERAL ASSEMBLY LOCAL MANDATE FISCAL IMPACT ESTIMATE
2003 REGULAR SESSION 2002-2003 INTERIM
PURPOSE/MECHANICS
The measure requires operators of all-terrain vehicles be sixteen years of age or older. Passengers will not be permitted to ride on an ATV. All-terrain vehicles are not allowed to operate on public highways or right-of-ways unless they are licensed to do so. Operators must wear protective head gear.
Individuals who purchase or operate ATV's will be required to complete a safe driver course. Any person who violates provisions of the measure will be fined $500.00. If the person has been issued an instruction permit or operator's license, the permit or license will be suspended for 6 months.
FISCAL EXPLANATION/BILL PROVISIONS ESTIMATED COST
The fiscal impact of HB 345 on local governments is indeterminable, but is expected to be minimal to moderate. Sales of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) have exploded in the last 10 years. Currently, it is estimated that 7 million ATV's are in use. Speed and weight of these vehicles have increased as well. Injuries and deaths have also increased. According to a recent article by Dr. Andrew Bernard, children and young adults primarily are injured by ATV's, with children more than twice as likely as adults to die. One in three children allowed to ride ATV's will be injured during the life of the ATV. Dr. Andrew's article reports a 57 percent increase in injuries to children under the age of 16, even though their share of ridership increased only 9 percent. In Kentucky, injuries and deaths from ATV's have increased in frequency and are rising. Since 1994, 94 Kentucky children have died from accidents involving ATV's. Children who don't die often suffer severe injuries, including head injuries from which they never recover. University of Kentucky data show that adolescents are injured on ATV's more often than motorcycles. Many of the accidents have occurred on public roads.
Interviewees from local law enforcement indicated a minimal fiscal impact from the measure. Policing these type of offenses, and investigating ATV accidents are routine duties for law enforcement officials. Duties required by the measure are very similar to those associated with motorcycles.
The measure prohibits all ATV's from public roads and right-of-ways, unless they are registered, licensed, and insured. Many law enforcement agencies use ATV's to assist in drug enforcement activities, trespassing, pursuit of criminals, rescue efforts and numerous other responsibilities. The measure would appear to require licensing, registering, and insuring ATV's used by local law enforcement and other local agencies if there was a likelihood that the ATV's would be used on public roads. The expense of licensing, registering, and insuring the ATV's would be borne by the local agencies.
Oregonian ATV Series
Today's Oregonian, section C10, carries a 1/2 page ad with a picture of an ATV rider and a memorial with the headline, "Why ATVS pose a deadly risk."
This is what the ad states:
"Beginning Sunday and over four days, The Oregonian documents the dangers of riding ATVs - all-terrain vehicles - and how the industry has largely escaped regulation across the country, and in Oregon. It is a story of injury and death, of a determined industry and of toothless enforcement by the very government agency charged with protecting consumers."
**********************************************************************
OHV Demographic and Economic Statistics
Note: This data was presented in March 2003 at the National OHV Managers Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. This document was written from notes taken by thingy Dufourd , Central Oregon OHV Coordinator.
Sales and Demographic Data:
1. Of the OHVers in 1997, the East was 63% ATVs, the South was 72%, and the West was 53%
2. In 1997, there were 3.9 million ATVs (66%) and 2.0 million OHMs (off-highway motorcycles)(34%)
3. In 2002, there were 800,000 ATV sales (73%) and 300,000 OHM sales (27%). That’s almost 2200 ATVs sold per day nationally. OHM sales are flat.
4. From 1997- 2002, OHV sales have increased 171% in the West (355% in California)
5. The average ATV rider age is 40, OHM is 30
6. About 70% of use is on weekends
7. ATV riders are 90% male, OHM riders are 95% male
8. In households that participate in OHV recreation, there are 2.9 riders
9. About 43% of OHV riders have professional/managerial occupations
10. In a Tennessee survey:
a. the average ATV group size is 3.8 and OHM group size is 6.9
b. when camping, the average length of stay is 3 days
c. the average day use is 6 hours
d. there are 153,000 ATVs and only 46,000 OHMs
e. the motivation to OHV recreate is: #1 enjoy natural scenery
#2 escape everyday stresses
#3 social, family and friends
#4 exploration
#5 challenge
f. riders want campsites, long trails, touring opportunities, play areas, quality signing and mapping
11. According to USDA Forest Service, the number of OHV recreationists in US:
5 million in 1972
20 million in 1983
28 million in 1995
36 million in 2000
72% ride on public lands
12. In a recent survey of children, 50% would prefer a virtual tour of the outdoors rather than be in the outdoors. About 20% of the kids in Los Angeles have never been to the ocean.
13. Our population will grow another 50 million in 20 years (275 million to 325 million)
14. In Maripopa County, Arizona which is the 3rd poorest county in the state, 90,000 ATVs were sold last year.
15. On the Paiute Trail in Utah, there were 1,000 riders in 1990 (it was relatively new) and 60,000 in 2001. About 75% of the use is non-local.
Economic Data:
1. The average OHV recreationist spends $500/trip
2. In 1998, the total OHV economic value was $18 billion. This includes $2.7 billion in sales, $2.4 billion in parts, and $10 billion for trips.
3. In the Tennessee survey, the OHV economic impact was $5.7 billion (their timber industry is $5.0 billion)
4. The average annual income for an ATV rider is $60,000, and the average OHM income is $40,000
5. In an effort to revitalize depressed communities in southern Utah, the Paiute ATV trail was established. This has a 238-mile core trail system with another 550 miles of side trails that connect to 16 communities.
a. in the mid-80s, Marysvale had 7 businesses, but with the trail, there are 21 businesses today
b. in 1996, a new RV park was built in Marysvale with 20 units, it expanded to 40 units in 1999 and 80 units in 2001. It is booked well over a year in advance.
c. during Jamboree week, riders spend $500,000
d. the average rider spends $110/riding day
e. this previously depressed area now receives $5 million/year from OHV recreationists.
6. The Hatfield-McCoy trail system in West Virginia is only two years old and has 400 miles in 4 counties. This trail system will eventually be 2,000 miles in the heart of the economically depressed Appalachia.
a. there were 6,000 trail permits sold in 2001, 14,000 in 2002, and 20,000 (est) for 2003
b. in the two years, 6 outfitter-guide businesses have formed, 9 campgrounds have been built, and 2 new hotels have been built
c. two years ago, none of the existing businesses were turning a profit, today, all of the businesses have some level of profit margin
*******************************************************************************
I find this article very interesting - we are willing to hold an adult responsible and actually award a huge amount of money because they allowed a child to ride without supervision - BUT we won't even consider a minimal fine or even a whisper and thought of holding a parent accountable for the very same thing. Go figure....Lindy
April 23rd, 2007
"$20 Million Awarded in ATV Accident"
The parents of a 13-year-old boy who died after losing control of a borrowed all-terrain vehicle (ATV) was awarded $20 million in economic and non-economic damages.
Donald “D.J.” Roberts was in middle school in 2002 when he lost his life in an ATV accident . According to the wrongful death lawsuit, D.J.'s parents claim that Timothy Mark Taylor—the man who invited the teenager over to ride the vehicle—was responsible for the 1986 Honda ATV and therefore, should be held liable for the damages resulting from the accident.
According to Hendrik Uiterwyk, the plaintiff's lawyer, D.J. “was almost decapitated” when he crashed the ATV into a barbed wire fence. Another young boy was also on the vehicle and suffered some injuries.
The civil suit accused Taylor of negligence and wrongdoing for failing to supervise the kids, neglecting to secure the ignition, and failing to ensure the vehicle was property maintained and in “safe” condition. The defendant never appeared in court nor were any attorneys there to represent him.
Although the parents got a favorable verdict, “it doesn't bring them any pleasure because they still lost a 13-year-old son,” Uiterwyk said.
Kentucky Legislation:: We are not alone!! I wonder how it worked out for them and who was behind it..
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION
GENERAL ASSEMBLY LOCAL MANDATE FISCAL IMPACT ESTIMATE
2003 REGULAR SESSION 2002-2003 INTERIM
PURPOSE/MECHANICS
The measure requires operators of all-terrain vehicles be sixteen years of age or older. Passengers will not be permitted to ride on an ATV. All-terrain vehicles are not allowed to operate on public highways or right-of-ways unless they are licensed to do so. Operators must wear protective head gear.
Individuals who purchase or operate ATV's will be required to complete a safe driver course. Any person who violates provisions of the measure will be fined $500.00. If the person has been issued an instruction permit or operator's license, the permit or license will be suspended for 6 months.
FISCAL EXPLANATION/BILL PROVISIONS ESTIMATED COST
The fiscal impact of HB 345 on local governments is indeterminable, but is expected to be minimal to moderate. Sales of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) have exploded in the last 10 years. Currently, it is estimated that 7 million ATV's are in use. Speed and weight of these vehicles have increased as well. Injuries and deaths have also increased. According to a recent article by Dr. Andrew Bernard, children and young adults primarily are injured by ATV's, with children more than twice as likely as adults to die. One in three children allowed to ride ATV's will be injured during the life of the ATV. Dr. Andrew's article reports a 57 percent increase in injuries to children under the age of 16, even though their share of ridership increased only 9 percent. In Kentucky, injuries and deaths from ATV's have increased in frequency and are rising. Since 1994, 94 Kentucky children have died from accidents involving ATV's. Children who don't die often suffer severe injuries, including head injuries from which they never recover. University of Kentucky data show that adolescents are injured on ATV's more often than motorcycles. Many of the accidents have occurred on public roads.
Interviewees from local law enforcement indicated a minimal fiscal impact from the measure. Policing these type of offenses, and investigating ATV accidents are routine duties for law enforcement officials. Duties required by the measure are very similar to those associated with motorcycles.
The measure prohibits all ATV's from public roads and right-of-ways, unless they are registered, licensed, and insured. Many law enforcement agencies use ATV's to assist in drug enforcement activities, trespassing, pursuit of criminals, rescue efforts and numerous other responsibilities. The measure would appear to require licensing, registering, and insuring ATV's used by local law enforcement and other local agencies if there was a likelihood that the ATV's would be used on public roads. The expense of licensing, registering, and insuring the ATV's would be borne by the local agencies.