LINCOLNTON -- In the wake of two all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents in Lincoln County earlier this year, authorities across the county are stressing safety in riding in the great outdoors.
Lincoln County emergency management director Susan Spake said the biggest factor in any ATV wreck is the rider not having safety gear including the wearing of helmets.
“Emergency services responds to between 30 and 75 calls per year regarding accidents,” said Spake. “Most of the calls are in rural areas of the county.”
Photo: Frank Canora, owner of Lake Norman Choppers, looks over a ATV he has for sale in his Denver shop. Canora stresses safety when operating any kind of outdoor vehicle.
Spake added that law enforcement responds to a tremendous amount of calls to people who are riding where they aren’t supposed to be.
There are many uses for ATV’s, according to Spake, including working around the house doing yard work.
In the case of emergency management, however, the vehicles come in handy when searching for a missing person. ATV’s, also known as four-wheelers, were used in the search for east Lincoln resident Robert Logan. The overall message, according to Spake, is safety.
“All of the age restrictions need to be followed when riding an ATV,” said Spake. Under state law, no one under the age of eight may operate an ATV.
Spake said dressing appropriately when riding is also important in addition to knowing the area.
“It’s also important to note that people typically horseplay on ATV’s,” said Spake. “It’s something they shouldn’t do.”
Lake Norman Choppers owner Frank Canora agrees; ATV’s are no place for horseplay.
“One of the two biggest issues regarding horseplay is when two people ride on one ATV,” said Canora. “There’s no room for riding double because it’s a one person machine.”
Canora added that it’s important to get an ATV that’s a perfect fit for a rider. Many times, the rider’s of ATVs are children on machines too large for them.
Canora said while he does sell ATV’s by consignment, the main thrust of his business is custom work on motorcycles.
With demands of a growing business and family, Canora said he can ride outdoors only about twice per week.
“The other big issue is riders not wearing helmets,” said Canora. “There also needs to be a lot of parental supervision when riding ATVs.”
For more information on Lake Norman Choppers, call (704) 483-9011. Lake Norman Choppers is located on N.C. 16 next to the old Floyd’s Diner.
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