Spotlight on ATV laws, safety after recent deaths
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Highway Patrol is warning ATV owners to make sure they know the states laws and safety guidelines for the recreations vehicles.
The warning comes after two teenagers were hurt Thursday when the ATV they were riding crashed into a tree. The accident happened near Hope Mills. Investigators said the teens were not wearing helmets.
In Harnett County last week, 12-year-old Ben Stafford was killed when he wrecked his ATV. He was not wearing a helmet.
READ STATE ATV SAFETY LAWS AND GUIDELINES HERE
In Union County, a 3-year-old girl was killed recently while riding an ATV with her 11-year-old sister. Again, no helmets were used.
The Highway Patrol and sports vehicle dealers say they stress to customers that state-approved safety helmets are required in North Carolina.
"No matter your age or experience, there are too many hard components on this thing your head can hit," said Nick Boyd of Fayetteville Power Sports.
And the Highway Patrol said anyone younger than 16 has to have adult supervision while operating an ATV.
