Published: July 11, 2007 11:17 am         

ATV safety can save lives

“Both of them were covered in blood,” said Lori Kyle, when she saw her son, Colby, and his friend, Taylor Bishop, after they suffered an unfortunate four-wheeler accident Tuesday, July 3.

After the two boys hit a tree on Industrial Park Road around 7:30 p.m., they were transported to Montfort Jones in a private vehicle according to Kyle. “It was a scary night,” said Lori who later met her son at the hospital.

Like Lori and many other parents, experiencing first hand the fear of having a child injured in an ATV accident is definitely a scary feeling. Colby only suffered a gash on his leg and bruises on his arms, but his friend Taylor was not as lucky, who had extensive mouth and jaw damage.

According to Kosciusko Police Chief R.J. Adams, “(People) can not put four-wheelers on state highway,” and they are prohibited throughout the entire city.

Attala County Sheriff William Lee commented about ATV safety stating, “People need to be observant and careful…you should always wear a helmet…and just obey the laws.”

Having ATV’s on asphalt roads increases the danger not being able to avoid a collision since hardtop roads reduce traction.

Jimmy and Suzanne Henry, who manage the Henry Honda dealership on Highway 35 north, emphasize the importance of following safety guidelines.

When a customer purchases an ATV from the Henry dealership, they are informed about all the safety and precautionary guidelines.

“Rules are there for a reason…we’ve turned people away,” says Suzanne. “It’s not a game, they’re not toys…they’re equipment.”