The first public hearing regarding the proposed ATV ordinance on B level county roads was held at yesterday’s supervisors meeting. Members of the Washington County Traffic Safety Coalition spoke in opposition. Lynn Fisher stated that they respect the agricultural use of the ATVs to move from field to field, yet cautions that one in three ATV collisions in Iowa is with another vehicle, and on road crashes are three times more likely to involve multiple deaths.

Keri Harland from the Injury Prevention Research Center added that the ATV’s are not built to be on roadways.

Approximately 200 signatures in favor of the ordinance have been received. Supervisor Stan Stoops stated that he would vote with the majority. Supervisor Bob Yoder suggested allowing side-by-sides which have roll cages and seatbelts for a year first, before allowing all ATVs.

The second reading of the ordinance will be held at the next meeting.