West Virginia proposal: rollbars for ATVs
Feb. 6, 2004 – West Virginia lawmakers are serious about trying to do something about ATV-related injuries and deaths, and the latest proposal involves rollbars for ATVs.
Senate Transportation Chairman Mike Ross recently sponsored a bill that would require ATV manufacturers to install a "rollbar protection system" on their machines within three years of approval of the law.
Another measure, which is moving at the West Virginia statehouse, would require any ATV rider under the age of 18 to wear a helmet, whether on public or private land.
On another front, West Virginia University Adjunct Professor Dr. William Ramsey is developing a computer-based information system that will soon link hospitals, emergency medical services and trauma center databases so health officials can keep track of reported ATV-related injuries.
This, officials believe, will help determine whether any efforts approved by lawmakers to improve ATV safety, work.