HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-01 Todd White
Charlene Way
From:Chris Johnson
Sent:Monday, February 01, 2021 1:49 PM
To:Charlene Way
Subject:Fwd: Proposed ATV, UTV, AND GOLF CART ORDINANCE, TITLE 7, MOTOR VEHICLES
AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 5.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Todd White <white.todd@comcast.net>
Date: February 1, 2021 at 1:41:15 PM MST
To: Chris Johnson <cjohnson@meridiancity.org>
Subject: Proposed ATV, UTV, AND GOLF CART ORDINANCE, TITLE 7, MOTOR VEHICLES AND
TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 5.
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
Meridian Transportation Committee,
I am writing to express my opposition to the Proposed ATV, UTV, AND GOLF CART ORDINANCE, TITLE 7,
MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 5.
UTV’s, ATV’s, and Golf Carts should not be lumped into the same group, due to the fact that they are
inherently different, and used for different activities.
A UTV incorporates MANY more safety features than either of the other vehicle types combined. For
example, A UTV rider is provided a seat belt or safety harness which must incorporate a safety switch to
prevent the operator from traveling more than 5 mph unbelted (this is a Federal Safety
Standard), unlike ATV’s and Golf Carts.
A UTV is manufactured with a Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) to prevent injury in the event of a
rollover, ATV’s and Golf Carts do not come from the factory equipped with this built in safety feature.
Implementation of such an ordinance is contradictory to the series of legal requirements already placed
on owners to ensure proper use of UTV’s. The least of which are the requirements for them to be
assessed, licensed, tagged, and operated only by holders of a valid DMV issued Driver license. Most of
which are also insured for equal to or higher ratio to value than most automobile operators in the
Treasure Valley.
There appears to be no evidence to support this proposed ordinance, as no instance of malice caused by
the use of UTV’s, ATV’s or Golf carts is currently an issue large enough to make the local news. In fact,
one would be hard pressed to find one of these vehicles on the streets of Meridian on any given day,
unlike motorcycles and the previously mentioned vehicles with fewer (if any) standard safety features.
1
I find this proposed ordinance to be without cause or merit, constituting an undue burden on those who
have taken the time to meet all the legal requirements to operate them, and contradicts current state
laws. Not to mention the fact that this ordinance will only add to the workload of our law enforcement
officers whose precious time is better spent enforcing current laws and ordinances that could make a
real and positive impact on our communities.
Thank you for your time and reconsideration of this proposed ordinance,
Todd White
2