INDIANAPOLIS — The growing number of Indiana deaths connected to all-terrain vehicle crashes has prompted Hoosier lawmakers to require any person younger than 18 to wear a helmet while operating or riding an ATV.
The new statute, which takes effect July 1, also prohibits an adult who owns or otherwise possesses an ATV from allowing a child to operate or ride it without a helmet, even on private property.
Violators could be fined up to $500.
In addition, most insurance policies deny coverage when death, injuries or property damage arise out of an illegal act.
"One of the main goals of this law is to help raise awareness in Indiana about the precautions our kids need to take when enjoying off-road vehicles," said state Rep. Lloyd Arnold, R-Leavenworth, the sponsor.
"Hopefully, it will help families avoid the ATV-related tragedies that have become all too common."
Indiana recorded 16 ATV-related deaths in 2015, and 13 in 2014. Another 1,285 individuals have been injured due to ATVs over the past five years.
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