A sad statistic shows that over 95% of ATV injuries happen to people who were not wearing helmets at the time of their accident. By the very nature of an accident, you cannot plan to have one so always be prepared and wear your helmet. Another sad fact is nearly one third of the people injured in West Virginia were passengers on single person ATVs that is another common unsafe riding practice. Another one third of all accidents showed the people injured were imbibing in alcohol and/or drugs.
If you're going to ride an ATV in West Virginia, be a smart rider and do it safely. West Virginia has some fantastic training classes, and you will learn so much by attending.
You need to know the laws of your State for operating your ATV, and you will pick up some great safety tips you may not have known. As of January 1, 2006, anyone under the age of 18 must have a certificate of completion for rider safety awareness issued by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
In West Virginia it is the law that you cannot drive your ATV on any interstate highway except by public safety personnel responding to emergencies or any road or highway with a centerline unless you are crossing the road and can do so safely and quickly.
Helmets are also the law and they must be age appropriate and meet current performance specifications. The penalties for allowing your children to operate ATVs without a helmet, have or be a passenger on an ATV are stiff. The penalties range from $50 fines and 10 hours community service to $200 fines and 20 hours of community service and Driving License suspension.
When taking an ATV safety course, you will be taught how to safely maneuver your ATV around and over obstacles, how to safely climb and descend hills and what being a responsible ATVer really means.
As you can see, safety training in West Virginia is not only a good idea, if you're under 18, it's the law and a smart one at that.
