News
Recent ATV Accidents Prompting Action From Law Enforcement
By: Tori Knueven
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A recent spike in all-terrain vehicle crashes near Gallipolis has local law enforcement officials stepping up patrols and raising local awareness of ATV safety.
According to the Gallipolis Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there have been four ATV deaths in the area in the last nine months. The fatalities have prompted the State Highway Patrol, local law enforcement and the Ohio Department of Transportation to take action.
"The post is definitely concerned for the safety of the people of the community and I think it's time for us to get the message out as much as we can," said Lieutenant Max Norris of the Gallipolis Post of the Highway Patrol.
Norris said law enforcement is taking a "Zero Tolerance" stance on ATV Violations. The penalties for these violations include citations, license suspension, and having the vehicle towed from the roadway. Norris said the Highway Patrol will utilize aviation surveillance to patrol for violations.
Schools in Gallia and Meigs Counties will soon see a safety campaign entitled "Keep the Fun on the Trails," to inform students about the dangers of riding ATVs on public roads.
Law enforcement are also planning Traffic Safety billboards alongside roadways. Local pizza businesses have also pledged to place flyers on pizza boxes to reach out directly to citizens.