I was recently interviewed by several newspapers about the increase of ORV injuries, traffic crashes and trespassing in Palm Beach County. Even with increased public awarness and enforcement, these tragic events continue. Let's eliminate these events by wearing a helmet, riding responsibly and staying off public roadways. I mentioned ATVFlorida.com as a source that promotes safety, group rides and legal riding areas. I know there is a lack of riding areas in PBC. If it were up to me, the Mecca Farms location for Scripps would be an Off-Road Park. Below is the news article.
PBSO Increasing ATV Enforcement
The next time you see an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding along Orange Blvd. in The Acreage, there may be a deputy sheriff riding it. The “Wildlands Task Force,” a specialized unit of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is enforcing state laws prohibiting the riding of ATVs, dirt bikes and golf carts on public roadways.
The unit, equipped with 4x4 trucks and ATVs, normally patrols county-owned wetlands and natural areas. But because of the increased number of citizen complaints, injuries and traffic crashes involving off-road vehicles, the unit members will now be stopping violators while traveling to and from the environmentally sensitive areas they patrol.
Since November 2004, the unit has conducted 96 traffic stops involving off-road vehicles operating on public roadways, right-of-ways (the sides of the road) and sidewalks. Many of the violators stopped were on dirt roads. Parents and riders need to understand the dirt roads are public roadways just the same as paved roads are, PBSO officials note. Other related ATV violations include carrying passengers on an ATV and riders under 16 not wearing a helmet.
Most ATV manufacturers install a decal warning operators against use on public roadways, carrying passengers and operating an ATV if under the age of 16. However, based on the increased number of injuries, traffic crashes and violations, these decal warnings are either being overlooked or simply ignored.
Off-road vehicles can only be legally operated on private property owned by the rider or on which the rider has permission to be. In Palm Beach County, they can also be operated in the Rotenberger and Holey Land wildlife management areas managed by the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC). Off-road vehicles caught in county-owned natural areas and certain canal rights-of-way can also face a misdemeanor charge of trespassing. Those stopped on public roadways face various traffic violations, depending on the type of vehicle. Unlicensed operators stopped on public roadways face a criminal violation, which requires a court appearance. Parents who knowingly allow an unlicensed minor to operate an off-road vehicle on a public roadway also face a criminal violation. Those who flee from deputies can be charged with a felony. There have been cases where the off-road vehicle operator flees into the woods to elude deputies patrolling in cars. When caught, the violator faces jail and the forfeiture of the vehicle.
“We are trying to get the word out so we can help prevent injuries, traffic crashes and trespassing,” said Deputy John Gibson, one of the Wildlands Task Force members. “Rural areas such as The Acreage, Jupiter Farms and Palm Beach Country Estates were once havens for off-roading. With the increase in population comes the increase in vehicle traffic. It’s challenging enough for an experienced, licensed driver on the roadways. Adding an unlicensed 12-year-old riding an ATV or dirt bike capable of speeds up to 65 mph is a bad combination.”
There are many resources available to the public, such as web sites like floridatrailriders.org and atvflorida.com, which provide information on legal places to ride, group rides and safe riding. To review Florida Statutes on the topic, visit
www.fdle.state.fl.us/statutes and look for Chapter 316 Motor Vehicles. There are also ATV safety courses available. Call 1-800-887-2887 to find out about the training courses nearest you or visit
www.atvsafety.org.
