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October 21, 2003
Risky policy change on snowmobile use
The Forest Service has proposed a policy change in snowmobile use in the Allegheny National Forest -- this change, which they are saying is simply codifying prior direction, would allow children from ages 10 to 15 to drive snowmobiles in the Allegheny.
Forest Service spokesman Dale Dunshie, apparently unconcerned about the safety of children, said that the decision was simply "good business management".
Karen and Ed Atwood, snowmobile safety instructors for nearly 30 years, have a different view:
"They (children) may be riding in a line but still they have to react to things that are unexpected out there. Kids don't have that kind of maturity. We have people in our club who will not ride on the weekend because of some of the things that happen out there...You don't have a lot of time to get the snowmobile out of the way. You have to respond like an adult," she said.
So, we can support the Forest Service's policy 'revision' that considers allowing 10 year old children to drive snowmobiles "good business management" or support the Atwoods who know better than most of us what constitutes reasonable safety measures.
Posted by Ryan at October 21, 2003 02:15 PM
Comments
This might be worthy of more than a comment but, if the Forest Service thinks a 10 year old can properly operate any ATV or snowmobile maybe this should see how one of America's best race-care drivers handles an ATV:
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. was released from a hospital Tuesday after undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in an all-terrain vehicle accident.
Unser had been at University of New Mexico Hospital since breaking his pelvis in an accident Sunday.
He was riding the ATV alone in the woods near his home in rural Chama when he went over an embankment, his sister, Mary Unser Tanner, told The Associated Press. She said her brother called for help for about an hour before being found.
Now, I can see where one might think that a 12 year old child who isn't a professional driver might do better. (do not confuse my thick sarcasm with anything but utter contempt for those who continue to put the safety of our youth at risk)
Posted by: Jim K at October 22, 2003 01:00 AM
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