Latest news with #OHVs
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
EDITORIAL: OHV's required responsibility and safety to operate
Apr. 8—As sunnier days and warmer temperatures take hold, our roadways will become more populated and require more sharing. There will be more motorcycles, more cyclists and the whole thing will be sprinkled with farmers looking to get into the field. There will also be the re-emergence of more off-highway vehicles (OHV). These vehicles can include a variety of forms including ATVs and side-by-sides, all of which require another layer of safety when operating. Unfortunately, 2024 was a record year for fatalities in the state involving these types of vehicles. According to a Department of Natural Resources press release on Monday, there were 30 accidents involving OHVs last year, which resulted in 32 fatalities. Of these, more than three — quarters of the crashes were on roadways or in ditches while seven of the incidents took place on private property, a trail or on public property. The other unfortunate aspect about these sobering numbers is that out of those 30 crashes, 26 of the operators involved did not have safety certification for ATVs. This is required for anyone born after July 1, 1987 and who is 12 years or older in order to operate on public lands or waters, public road rights-of-way or state grant-in-aid trails. There is a responsibility to operating these vehicles safely, just as there is any other vehicle operation and it's not done simply for the sake of government oversight. These are very real concerns, especially if you are going to be operating one of these vehicles with others. While the machines are made for off-highway operation, they can easily be tipped over causing extensive injury or even death if proper precautions aren't taken. There are also dangers to motorized traffic on the roads, who sometimes can not see OHV's in ditches. In their release Monday, the DNR reminded the public that anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear a Department of Transportation helmet and even more, it's recommended that all people in or on these vehicles wear helmets. Other ways riders can help ensure a safe ride include: —When they're open, ride only on designated trails. Stay to the right and travel at a safe speed. —Ride sober. —Remember that riders under age 15 are not allowed to operate Class 2 ATVs. —Wear protective gear including goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, gloves and a DOT-approved helmet when riding all types of OHVs. —If an OHV comes with factory installed seatbelts, wear them. —Avoid riding on paved roads except to cross. Do it safely and ensure it's permitted by law. —Actively supervise young riders as OHVs aren't toys. —Complete a safety education course. For more tips on safe riding, visit the ATV safety page of the DNR website (
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Operating Off-Highway Vehicles on public roadways is prohibited
Feb. 14—The City of Odessa and the Odessa Police Department is reminding the public that operating Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on public roadways is prohibited under Texas law. Definition of an Off-Highway Vehicle: — An Off-Highway Vehicle is any motor vehicle designed for off-road use only, including but not limited to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility vehicles (UTVs), and recreational off-road vehicles (Texas Transportation Code 551A.001). Key Regulations: — Prohibited on Public Roadways — OHVs may not be operated on public streets, sidewalks, or alleys within Odessa city limits (Texas Transportation Code § 551A.031). — Crossing Public Roadways — Operators may cross a public roadway under the following conditions (Texas Transportation Code 551A.034): — The vehicle must come to a complete stop before entering the roadway. — The operator must cross at approximately 90 degrees to the roadway at a location free of obstructions. — The OHV's headlights and taillights must be illuminated. — The operator must possess a valid driver's license and have completed an approved safety course (Texas Transportation Code 551A.032). — Enforcement and Penalties — Unauthorized operation of an OHV on public roadways may result in a citation and legal penalties. The Odessa Police Department encourages all OHV operators to comply with state and local laws to ensure safety for all road users. Operating Off-Highway Vehicles on public roadways is extremely dangerous due to their lack of crash protection, poor stability, and inability to handle pavement safely. These vehicles are prone to rollovers, have reduced traction on asphalt, and cannot keep up with normal traffic speeds, increasing the risk of collisions. OHV riders are more vulnerable to serious injuries or ejection in an accident, as they lack the enclosed protection and safety features of highway-approved vehicles. Additionally, their smaller size makes them less visible to other drivers, especially at night.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
OPD warns about off-road vehicles on public roadways
ODESSA, TEXAS (KMID/KPEJ)- The City of Odessa and the Odessa Police Department are reminding the public that operating Off-Highway Vehicles on public roadways is prohibited under Texas law. An OHV is classified as any motor vehicle designed for off-road use only. Some examples of OHVs include all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, recreational off-road vehicles, etc. OPD says that OHVs should not be driven on public streets, sidewalks, or alleys within city limits. Operators may cross a public roadway under these conditions: The vehicle must come to a complete stop before entering the roadway. The operator must cross at approximately 90 degrees to the roadway, at a location without any obstructions. The OHV's headlights and taillights must be on. The operator must have a valid driver's license and have completed an approved safety course. Unauthorized operation of an OHV on public roadways may result in a citation and legal penalties. OPD encourages OHV operators to comply with state and local laws to ensure safety for all road users. Operating OHVs on public roadways is extremely dangerous, because of their lack of crash protection, poor stability, and inability to handle pavement safely. These vehicles are prone to rollovers, have reduced traction on asphalt, and cannot keep up with normal traffic speeds, which increases the risk of collisions. OHV riders are more vulnerable to serious injuries or ejection in an accident, due to their lack of enclosed protection and safety features. Their smaller size makes less visible to other drivers, especially at night. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
