ATV Laws Considered for 2010 Session

State legislators could enact ATV safety regulations in next year's session.

More than 20 Mississippians die each year from all-terrain vehicle accidents. As MPB's Carl Gibson reports, state lawmakers are working on ATV regulations that could potentially save lives.

Mississippians are 3 times as likely to die on their ATVs than those in other states, according to figures from the National Conference of State Legislatures. While there are currently no state ATV laws, transportation committee chairman Warner McBride says that could change next year.

"Mississippi's been one of the leading states as far as teen deaths from accidents on ATVs and UTVs. And, you know, we want to try to do something about it if there's something we can do as policymakers. We've been looking at helmet laws, we're looking at places to ride, we're looking at training and education. Several different components."

Helmet laws should be a common-sense regulation, says pediatrician Dr. Rick Boyt. He says a simple law could save many lives and injuries.

"...And it's such an incredible tragedy. The parents will often tell me, you know, 'If I'd only known this was an unsafe vehicle.' And I've often heard over and over, 'Well if it was unsafe, then there should have been a law about it. I think that clearly would have given me a message.'"

University Medical Center's trauma center chief says he treats too many young ATV victims. Dr. John Porter says youths usually get hurt on vehicles meant for adults.

"We saw 380 in the past five years, and two-thirds of those were under the age of 40. So it is young, and of those, it even goes down to under the age of 3."

Mississippi is one of 12 states without any ATV regulations.