4-wheelers are one of the fastest growing groups of recreational vehicles on the market to day. However, with more and more people owning 4-wheelers, the opportunity for the number of accidents that occur by people riding 4-wheelers also goes up.
One 4-wheeler riding group in Ohio is very concerned about safety and is starting a public education campaign aimed at individuals who ride 4-wheelers. The group, operating under the Lima-Allen County Safe Community Coalition, has just formed.
The group is developing a campaign about 4-wheeler safety, the ease and importance of safety lessons for both young and old because many 4-wheeler riders assume because they can drive a car that they can drive a 4-wheeler with ease. Many other accidents are caused by unsafe practices such as speeding in unmapped areas, riding 4-wheelers built for one person with two or more people and riding 4-wheelers under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Safety gear and the importance of wearing a helmet, goggles and gloves is also being highlighted to educate 4-wheeler owners in the safe instruction of their 4-wheelers both on and off the trail.
The coalition has run successful safety campaigns for everything from railroads to bicycles, but has not addressed the issue of 4-wheeler safety up until now. The group is working on a website, several public-service announcements, and giving away educational information at the Allen County Fair.
The group hopes to keep 4-wheeler use fun for the public while raising everyone's awareness of the things that can be done to keep 4-wheeling a fun and safe sport for the entire family.
