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New Federal Crackdown on ATVs?
 A
federal safety panel has taken the first step toward
issuing new rules related to ATVs, and that could
mean big changes for the industry and consumers,
the All-Terrain Vehicle Association reports.
On October 6, the Consumer Product
Safety Commission issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking related to ATV safety. That move signals
the commission's intent to issue new rules.
It's a potentially serious step.
The last time the commission seriously considered
ATV safety, it banned three-wheeled ATVs. CPSC Chairman
Hal Stratton called the notice "a significant step
in a broad and comprehensive review of all existing
and potential ATV safety rules and regulations."
As the ATVA learns more about the
CPSC's plans, including the opportunity for public
comments on any rules that are proposed in the future,
more information will be posted on the ATVA's official
website at
www.ATVAonline.com.
Recently, the three-member CPSC
has been considering a petition submitted by the
Consumer Federation of America and other groups
that calls for the CPSC to ban the sale of full-size
ATVs for the use of children under the age of 16.
That potential ban has been opposed
by ATVA Director Doug Morris and American Motorcyclist
Association/ATVA Legislative Affairs Specialist
Royce Wood, who testified in a commission hearing
on the issue. Rather than a blanket ban on the sale
of ATVs for use by kids, they supported a more thoughtful
approach that includes greater parental involvement.
"We believe that proper training,
the use of safety gear, parental supervision, and
allowing children to ride right-size vehicles would
do much to reduce ATV-related injuries and deaths
involving children under 16," Morris said.
The CPSC so far has delayed acting
on the petition submitted by the Consumer Federation
of America and others. Sutton, the CPSC chairman,
reportedly opposes the ban, while commission member
Thomas Moore is reported to support it. That means
the decision could depend on the third commissioner,
Nancy Nord, who was recently appointed to the panel.
Morris and Wood met with Nord and
her staff on September 20 to ensure she understands
the positive aspects of ATV use by families.
The ATVA, sister organization of
the American Motorcyclist Association, is the only
national organization devoted exclusively to fighting
for the rights of ATVers. More members mean more
clout to fight to protect your right to ride. To
join the ATVA, call (800) ATVA-JOIN, or go to
www.ATVAonline.com.
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