That's why area law enforcement officials are urging parents to sign their children who want to operate them, up for an OHV Education Class slated for 2-6:30 p.m. March 30 at the Memorial Room of the Williams County Courthouse.
The OHV Safety Certificate course is designed for young riders between the ages of 12 and 16.
According to a news release distributed by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, children between 12 and 16 must have an ATV Safety Certificate in order to operate an ATV on any public land if they do not possess a valid driver's license.
Jeremy Losinski, recreation education specialist for the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, said the course's goal is to educate the youth of North Dakota in the proper operational methods needed to reduce and prevent OHV-related accidents. Losinski will be teaching the course. "This class is designed for operators of dirt bikes, four-wheelers and side-by-side vehicles (those having three or more low-pressure tires and a wheel for steering)," he said. "A lot of people are using them for farm utility work and recreation. This program is for educating 12-to-16-year-olds legally to operate OHVs and receive their OHV safety permits."
Youngsters attending will learn about proper maintenance, riding attire, different riding positions and about trail signage.
"We'll also talk about appropriate machine size for the right body," Losinski said. "Anything has the potential to be dangerous if you misuse the machine. These can weigh between 250 and 850 pounds."
He said others over 16 who wish to operate the OHVs must have a valid driver's license.
Local law officers ask all operators to take precautions to use the OHVs safely.
"There have been many ATV crashes in the last couple of weeks since it got nicer out," said Captain Bob Stancel of the Williams County Sheriff's Office.
Stancel said there is a book available at various law enforcement agencies for everyone. It details where they can drive and what the requirements are.
"We want to ask people to use extreme caution," he said.
"Four-wheelers are not the safest vehicle out there, and we want to encourage people to wear protective clothing - helmets. That goes for all ages. Just use caution when you're driving and common sense," said Captain Alan Billehus of the North Dakota Highway Patrol. "These vehicles can weigh up to 800 and 900 pounds, some of the bigger ones. That's a lot of weight to roll over on top of you."
Billehus said if individuals choose to operate these somewhere other than private property, they have to have an off-highway permit and must have insurance. He added there are multiple factors that can trigger an accident.
"All of those speed, inclines, and any type of obstacle," said Billehus.
"Inexperience is a big one," added Stancel.
Authorities note that OHV deaths have been investigated in this area in the last six or seven years,
It was noted that an all-terrain vehicle accident that killed Logan Hill, 3, of Oakes (in eastern North Dakota) March 16 after the tot sustained head injuries. Authorities there reported Hill accidentally accelerated the ATV while riding on the machine with an adult. The boy was killed when the vehicle struck a house and rolled.
"Most of them are made for just one person," Stancel said of the OHVs.
OHV operation manuals and listed laws can be picked up at the Williams County Sheriff's Office, the desk area of the Williston Police Department and the North Dakota Highway Patrol offices in Williston.
"We just want to raise the general awareness, just letting people know that now is the season everyone is getting four-wheelers out. They should wear the particular gear for their safety, and to just be careful. If you are going to be riding in a public area, make sure it's insured," Billehus said.
For more information about how to register for the children's OHV course, call 328-5357.
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