DANGER LURKS ON ATVs; PATROL URGES SAFE OPERATION

There aren't many all-terrain vehicle accidents in Southeast Missouri, but when they happen they are often tragic.

Sgt. Brent Davis, public information officer for the Missouri Highway Patrol, said Troop E of the patrol only has between one and three such accidents a year. Most of them involve young people, and many are serious or fatal.

The most recent involved a 14-year-old Zalma boy, Jared Rogers, who was killed Saturday when he couldn't negotiate a turn and hit a tree. A passenger, 16-year-old Melissa Knight, received minor injuries.

The patrol report showed the teen-agers were on a four-wheeler made for people 18 and older, and neither wore a helmet. They were traveling on a public road, a practice forbidden by law.

Their behavior wasn't unique for young ATV operators in the area, Davis said. Young riders, like newly licensed drivers, feel they have everything under control.

"I talk to 16-year-olds all over the area and ask if they feel they're good drivers already," Davis said. "Seventy-five to 80 percent of them say yes. Young ATV drivers also get out there and push their vehicles to the max.

"That makes it particularly tragic when something happens: They haven't even started to live yet."

Area ATV dealers don't want their machines to get a bad reputation over a few incidents. They said there are ways to enjoy ATVs safely.

Robert Ford, owner of World of Honda-Yamaha, said there are different four-wheelers for people of different ages and sizes. Parents should try to find the right ones for their children, making sure the kids can easily reach controls and turn the wheels.

All riders should wear proper safety equipment, which is on sale at the dealerships. Helmets, goggles, gloves and special boots are recommended. Compared to the $2,800 price tag of a four-wheeler, Ford said, a $40 helmet doesn't seem too expensive.

Billy Clayton, owner of C&C Cycle in Sikeston, said ATV drivers shouldn't carry passengers, even if it seems the vehicles are made for them.

"The owner's manual and other booklets explain the rules for riding an ATV," Clayton said. "If you don't follow the laws in a car, it can be the most dangerous thing you can drive. It's like an ATV -- if you don't follow the rules, you can get hurt."

Finally, parents should supervise their children during ATV rides.

Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Polaris and other ATV companies offer free safety classes for people who buy ATVs and their families. The companies' literature recommends buyers take advantage of the classes and try a few practice runs near home before venturing any distance.