Kentucky Bill Would Allow ATV Riders Cross Roads Without Helmets

A Kentucky Senate committee has approved a bill to expand the instances when people can operate all-terrain vehicles without helmets.

Under the measure, the helmet requirement would not apply when ATV riders cross roads with speed limits of 55 mph or less.

Sen. Sara Beth Gregory said Wednesday the issue was brought to her attention by trail riders who were cited for crossing roads without helmets.

Her bill cleared the Senate Transportation Committee.

Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Director Bill Bell said he opposed the bill for safety reasons. He said Kentucky had 12 ATV-related fatalities last year on roadways.

State law allows ATV operators 16 or older to ride without helmets when on private property or for farming, mining, logging or other business activities.