All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are motorized cycles, with 3 or 4 low pressure tires, designed for off-road use on a variety of terrains.

Although ATVs give the appearance of stability, their wheeled design can be especially unstable on hard surfaces.

ATV stability is further compromised by a high center of gravity and a poor or absent suspension system.

The danger is magnified because most ATVs can reach speeds of 30 to 50 mph.

ATVs are capable of carrying a person almost anywhere, but unsafe or careless operation may cause serious or even fatal injuries.

Most injuries associated with ATVs occur when the driver loses control, the vehicle rolls over, the driver or a passenger is thrown off, or the vehicle collides with a fixed object.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be fun, but they can also be deadly. More than 254,000 ATV-related injuries were treated in hospitals and doctors' offices in the year 2000, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

They cost the U.S. more than $6.5 billion in medical, legal and work loss expenses.

Since 1982, the United States has reported 2,000 ATV-related deaths. With more than 50 of these fatalities, Ohio ranks 12th in the nation for ATV crashes.

Each state has different laws regarding operation of ATVs so know the law for the area you are operating in.

When in Ohio please obey Ohio law and the suggested safety measures:

4ATVs operated on lands other than those owned by the ATV operator or their family are required to be titled, display the assigned permanent registration number, and the driver is required to possess a valid driver's license.

Operators that are 12 to 16 years old and are accompanied by a licensed operator that is at least 18 years of age are exempted from the valid driver license requirement.

4ATVs are required to be equipped with headlights and taillights.

4No ATV may be operated on any limited access highway or portion of the highway's right-of-way

4ATVs operated on the berms or shoulders of any roadway may not interfere with the movement of vehicular traffic approaching from any direction. The terrain must permit such operation to be undertaken safely and without the necessity of entering any traffic lane.

4An ATV may cross the roadway in a perpendicular fashion, but the ATV must always yield the right-of-way to all vehicular traffic.

4ATVs may be operated on highways in the county or township road systems only when the local authority permits.

4Troopers who observe operators in violation of Ohio laws will take appropriate enforcement action.

4Be prepared.

Make sure your vehicle is safety-ready and that you have appropriate training to operate the ATV.

4It is recommended to always wear a helmet and recommended riding gear; including a long sleeve shirt or jacket, long pants, goggles (if the helmet does not provide face protection), boots, and gloves.

4Travel at speeds conducive to conditions and operator abilities.

4Check on the conditions of the trails you will be traveling.

In order to operate an ATV on any public land, waters or highways, operators 16 years of age or older must hold a current motor vehicle driver's or commercial driver's license, motorcycle operator’s endorsement or probationary license.

Operators that are 12 to 16 years of age can operate an ATV on any land other than private property must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a licensed driver 18 years of age or older.

Remember that to ride safely, you must understand the limits of your abilities, the capabilities of your ATV, and the environment in which you are riding.

Increase your safety awareness, operate safely and protect yourself and others.

It's about safety.

Lt. Carl Roark is commander of the Ironton Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.