Reservation riders warned about proper safety procedures

Julie Severn

7/15/2002 12:00:00 AM

For 13-year-old all-terrain vehicle operator Monica Gonzalez, safety is an important aspect of the recreational activity.

Gonzalez said she has been driving almost everyday for the past two years. Her 11-year-old cousin, Joe Johnson, taught her to drive. He's also a quad operator with four years driving experience.

ATV usage has escalated recently on the Isabella Reservation with an increasing number of young drivers. Their safety is a community concern for local law enforcement authorities.

"Parents are in a better position financially to purchase ATVs and dirt bikes," said Tribal Police Sgt. Louise Dickerman. "We are seeing more families buying these motorized vehicles, which increases our concern for safety issues."

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Court have been working together to develop an off-road vehicle safety class for the community. Although policies and procedures for the training need to be finalized, the departments are urging riders to use caution and practice appropriate riding habits.

"Above all else, always wear a helmet and stay off the roads," advised Magistrate Carol Jackson. "We have prosecuted kids in the past for riding without them and for being on the roads, and we will continue to do so. We want the kids to have fun, but more importantly we want them safe."

Dickerman echoed those sentiments.

"Kids must wear safety equipment," she said. "Drivers of motorcycles and ATVs will be stopped and cited."

Gonzalez said she thinks enforcing the helmet law is a good idea.

"They keep you from getting hurt," she said. "You need to be safe because you can flip over very easily."

Jackson and Dickerman encouraged riders to wear proper clothing to decrease the risk of injury from rocks being thrown up, as well as cuts and burns from the machinery. In spite of summer heat, they warned drivers to avoid wearing flip-flops and shorts. They suggest wearing long sleeve shirts, pants, knee guards, chest protectors, off-road boots and goggles.

Dickerman also stressed the importance of maintaining proper care of off-road vehicles.

"Make sure the brakes are working efficiently and the gears change freely," she said.

Parks and Recreation Coordinator Bernie Sprague suggests testing chain tension and lube, tire tread and air pressure, clutch adjustments and also making sure all nuts and bolts are secure before riding.

Sprague oversees the ATV and go-cart track west of the Tribe's maintenance buildings near the Saginaw Chippewa Academy. The 60,000 square-foot track features different elevations and terrain for four-wheeler, three-wheeler, motorcycle and snowmobile riders.

"The track was built to give kids a safe place to ride," said Jackson. "It has helped. We're not getting as many complaints, but there's still a handful of kids that are not wearing the proper gear and are riding on the road."

According to Dickerman, the roads running through the reservation are county roads and fall under state guidelines, which means that any vehicle that's not street legal cannot operate on them.

"Off-road vehicles can cross the streets diagonally, but can not drive down them." Jackson added. "Drivers need to come to a complete stop and look both ways before they cross."

Dickerman said ATV operators should also avoid riding at the Saginaw Chippewa Campgrounds.

"There has always been a problem with kids riding up there," she explained. "There are a lot of children camping, at church, playing on the playground equipment and in the pool area. Our police department has issued several tickets to reckless drivers for speeding and disregarding the safety of others."

Riders have also been pulled over for destruction of property from their tires ripping up grass and for disturbing the peace-which falls under the noise ordinance- according to Dickerman. ATVs are not allowed to ride on private property without the owners permission. If they do, they may be charged with trespassing.

"Watch your speed and be alert to people and obstacles in your path," she added. "It's almost like driving a car, you should know what's in front of and behind you at all times."

Gonzalez also cautioned against sharp turns, stopping and turning too quickly, as well as riding double.

"It's difficult to control the four-wheeler when you have someone on back," she also said. "It's a good idea to ride with another driver in case you get stuck or lost, or if you get hurt-but riding double on the trails is not safe."

Cautious driving and wearing a helmet are two important factors to avoid getting a ticket, but riders also need to be registered and insured.

"Anything with an engine is considered a motorized vehicle, and therefore must be insured and registered through the state of Michigan," Dickerman said. "No person shall operate or assist in operation, nor shall any owner allow another to operate their motor vehicle if all guidelines are not met."

Parents allowing ATVs, dirt bikes or go-carts to be loaned out are responsible for meeting these guidelines, she said. Tribal police are towing vehicles that are uninsured and unregistered.

"Safety first, follow the rules and have fun," encouraged Jackson. "Wear your helmets and stay off the roads; utilize the ATV track. That's what it's there for."

Current hours of operation for the ATV track are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Beginning in September , the track will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. until Nov. 4. Non-Tribal members must pay $5 per person per day or purchase a $100 season pass.

All riders must sign a registration and liability form before using the track. Forms are available in the Parks and Recreation office located in the Tribal Operations building. For more information or to volunteer to supervise track activity, contact Sprague at (989) 775-4522.

"Above all else, you've gotta be safe," said Gonzalez.