West Virginia City Pushes to Keep ATVs off Streets

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on May 02, 2008

The measure, which was proposed by police and brought before Huntington's City Council, was created among concerns that children who use the all-terrain vehicles on public roads and property were not using the proper safety gear.

Tire tracks from the ATVs were also causing the city's already-damaged flood wall to erode, as many riders have built ramps nearby. In addition, ATVs were creating hazards for pedestrians and other motorists.

It's an off-road vehicle that really has no reason to be used inside the city, said Huntington City Council member, Jim Ritter.

Four-wheeler fatalities have become quite common in West Virginia alone. In 2006, the state set a record when more than 54 people died from ATV accidents.

In 2007, ATV accidents claimed the lives of 45 riders in West Virginia; 60 percent of them occurred on paved roads.

Huntington is one of few cities in West Virginia to adopt laws restricting the use of ATVs.

Current laws in West Virginia allow the use of ATVs on roads without center lines. Those who break the law can be fined up to $500 and even 30 days in jail, in addition to having their vehicle impounded.