Ohio’s National Forest Now Bars Alcohol Use by ATVers

Ohio’s national forest will now prohibit the use of alcohol by people riding offroad vehicles, such as snowmobiles and ATVs.

An order signed by Wayne National Forest Supervisor Jo Reyer also requires offroaders to wear helmets, and goggles or other eye protection.

Reyer says in a statement that officials hope the new rules will reduce the number and severity of crashes within the southeast Ohio forest.

A local fire and rescue department reports at least one-third of accidents involving non-highway vehicles were related to alcohol use or not wearing a helmet during the last five years.

Reyer says the forest expects the order to draw strong and varied opinions, both for and against.