New details have emerged in the case of an ATV accident that claimed the life of a San Elizario teen.
Newschannel 9 has learned drivers in two ATV crashes this weekend were violating state law.
In San Elizario, Hector hernandez was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident but he was 15 years old and state law requires drivers to be at least 16 to ride the kind of ATV he was on.
Hernandez lost control of his ATV, struck an irrigation ditch, and died at the scene.
In Socorro, an ATV and a car collided at the intersection of Liahona and Rankin. One person was taken to Thomason with serious injuries.
Our team found out, under state law, ATV's are not allowed on public roads.
Unlike most motor vehicles a license isn't required to drive an ATV but texas department of public safety says there are some safety requirements riders must follow before hitting the sand dunes.
Most ATV manufacturers and the state of Texas offer safety classes to novice riders.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety...a rider must be 16 years old to ride a four wheeler with an engine bigger than 90 cubic centimeters (which is most ATV's on the market).
TEXAS ATV Limitations:
ATV operators younger than 14 years of age MUST be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
Minimum Age/ ATV Engine Size
16 years and older/ Over 90 cubic centimeters
12 years and older/ 70 - 90 cubic centimeters
6 years and older/ Under 70 cubic centimeters
ATV manufacturers install longer seats because drivers often bounce around when they go off-roading. That long seat can make people think it's okay to have more than one person on board but the seat is actually designed for movement and control.
Manufacturers like Kawasaki go one step further to encourage safety, they require buyers to sign a form stating they won't drive drunk, only one passenger will be on board, and they will not drive on paved roads.
Post new Comment