Letter to the Editor: ATV safety concerns on secondary roads

To the Editor:

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors is considering a proposed ordinance to increase public roadway access to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) traffic and recreational use. As an emergency medicine physician and an ATV injury prevention researcher, I cannot stress enough how dangerous this decision would be. Although only a small percentage of ATV riding presently occurs on the road, over 60% of all ATV-related deaths have resulted from roadway riding.

Some argue that the ATV riders will be safe as long as they stick to lower-traffic roads, but this is incorrect: Two-thirds of ATV deaths and an even greater percent of roadway injuries do not involve another vehicle. In addition, 49% of Iowa ATV roadway deaths have occurred on unpaved roads.

So why is riding ATVs on the road so dangerous? ATV tires have deep treads which are designed to grab surfaces but not release. Cars and trucks, by contrast, have tires that are designed to continually grip and release the road. This makes ATVs unpredictable in their performance on all roadway surfaces.

Most ATVs also have a fixed rear differential or solid rear axle. This means that the two back wheels do not turn at a different rate when going around a curve as they do on vehicles designed for roadway travel. Thus, ATVs require a much wider turning radius. In addition, ATVs have a relatively high center of gravity, lower pressure tires, and a narrow wheelbase. All of these factors make loss of ATV control and rollovers on roadways an ever-present danger, especially at speeds often traveled on public roadways.

My first cousin, who lived on a farm near the one I grew up on in Minnesota, was killed when he turned his ATV onto a public road and was hit by a pick-up truck. It was a terrible thing for the whole community. However, another tragedy occurred that day. Even though the crash was not his fault, the man driving that pick-up truck could never get over the fact that he had killed my cousin. He became an alcoholic and lost his family. It makes no sense to put Allamakee County’s families, including all of its motor vehicle operators, at risk for such devastating emotional harm.

Roadway ATV deaths over the past 15 years have increased at a rate more than twice that of those off-road. Deaths from roadway crashes are not an “accident”, they are easily preventable.

Iowa State Law prohibits use of public roads for ATV travel unless it is done by someone with a valid driver’s license for specific work purposes such as highway maintenance, surveying, EMS rescue, or for agricultural work that occurs between sunrise and sunset. Undermining this state law jeopardizes the safety and welfare of Allamakee County residents.

Among those strongly warning against riding on the roads are the ATV manufacturers and their partners at the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. These machines are designed for off-road surfaces. In fact, ATV manufacturers warn riders in their owner’s manuals that their product should not be used on public roads, and have placed warning labels on the ATVs stating the same. The ATV industry doesn’t want the responsibility and they certainly don’t want the liability. I’m puzzled why any county would pass a resolution in violation of these manufacturers’ warnings. Such an ordinance falsely implies that it is safe to go on the road. Any such governing body is misleading their citizens and taking on a liability they should not take.

Some supporters of increased recreational ATV use of public roadways have stated that such a move would significantly boost tourism for their community. This is not supported by any data in any state. On the other hand, what it does do is provide uninvited ATV access to the personal property of other landowners. Most counties truly interested in increasing ATV-related tourism have created public off-highway vehicle parks and designated off-highway trail networks. This would provide a much safer way to enjoy ATV riding and is a proven way to promote tourism.

I hope that you carefully consider the consequences of opening public roads to off-highway vehicle travel and recreational use. Opening roads to adults will inevitably increase ATV roadway use by children and teens as well. Even one serious injury or death would nullify any possible benefit this ordinance would have for some area residents. Unfortunately, this consequence is essentially assured if such a policy is passed.
 
Sincerely,
Charles Jennissen, MD
Swisher