EudoraNews.com

Eudora Police Chief Greg Dahlem said there has been a spike in calls regarding all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, over the last few weeks.

The offenders reported have been as young as 10 years old and as old as 45. What they all most likely have in common is that they are unaware of a traffic ordinance that went into effect in July 2007 banning the operation of ATVs on any interstate, federal or state highway as well as on any streets within the city limits.

"We're seeing an increase in four wheeler calls and, basically, what we're wanting to do is educate the public," Dahlem said. "Are they subject to ticket? Yes, and if they do receive a ticket it is a mandatory 'see judge' and the fine amount would be decided by the court."

The police department has been letting offenders off with warnings and has not handed out many tickets, which are dependent upon officer's discretion and the manner by which a person is operating the vehicle.

"If someone is pulling wheelies and driving it recklessly to where it's a hazard to the operator or the general public, then they're more than likely going to get a ticket," Dahlem said.

Just as with the age of offenders, there isn't any specific area where reports have been heavier than others. Most calls have been for racing.

"So far, the ones that have to go down to the river have been pretty good about staying off to the side when they're on the streets and seem to stay out of everybody's way," Dahlem said. "But, like anything that's operated in the street, if there's a stop sign, then they need to stop."

Fire fighter Bill Whitten, who also sits on the Eudora City Council, has been riding ATVs for 12 years and makes a point of transporting his ATV on a trailer.

Whitten suggested young or inexperienced riders seek some form of training.

"I've been riding quite a bit and seen a lot of younger kids out there riding with me and the ones who've got good guidance from their parents do great," he said. "But it's the one's who get out there with no guidance and get something bigger than what they can handle and don't know what to do. And when all else fails, they give it gas and those are the ones who get hurt."

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in the last week alone, 15 ATV related deaths were reported, seven of which involved children ages 16 and younger.

The CPSC suggests new ATV riders take a training course that teaches about proper gear to wear and techniques for riding on different terrain.

For more information on ATV safety tips or to find a training course, go to atvsafety.gov.

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