82% oppose OHV change
But bill letting 6-year-olds drive revs up, advances to full House
Hours after House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee approved the proposal Wednesday, pollster Dan Jones & Associates found 82 percent of those he surveyed opposed HB237, which would lower the age to operate an OHV, such as a motorcycle or four-wheeler.
The poll conducted Wednesday of 204 Utahns had a 7.5 percent margin of error.
The bill would change the minimum age requirement from 8 years of age to 6. But 6- and 7-year-olds would only be allowed to ride vehicles that couldn't go faster than 15 mph.
The committee had previously held the bill until sponsoring Rep. Aaron Tilton, R-Springville, made some changes concerning speed limits and parental supervision.
"I think this is a better bill," Tilton said. "The activities will help strengthen families."
Tilton is also sponsoring a bill that would require teen driver's license candidates write a 10-page paper on a teenage traffic fatality.
The OHV bill now requires that an adult provide "direct supervision" for young drivers under the age of 12 by staying within 300 feet of their children and maintaining visual contact with them.
Mike Swenson, executive director of the Utah Shared Access Alliance, said he and Tilton worked hard on changing the legislation to address some of the committee's concerns.
"We really believe we've gone back to the drawing board on this," Swenson said.
He said that the law allows parents to take responsibility for their children. "We've said, 'Hey, you can do this under certain circumstances."'
One of the major changes in the bill is an "affirmative defense" for people who transport unregistered off-road vehicles under specific circumstances. The defense would help those who get ticketed for unregistered OHVs if they were taking them to get repaired or selling them.
Contrary to the poll results, a few ATV enthusiasts shared statements of support for the bill with the committee.
Joseph Sloat called riding OHVs "my greatest passion," which began at 4 years of age.
He said the bill should be seen as a plus for Utah. "Young children have an opportunity to become involved with the state parks and recreation program."
"They can become involved with safety at a younger age," Stoat said.
Joanne Butts of Payson said her young son should be able to use OHVs on public land. "I can take my son to a motocross race or even a desert race," she said. "But I can't take my son to public land and practice.
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