Experts urge safety after Central Illinois ATV, UTV accidents

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — It’s been more than two weeks since three teenagers died in a UTV accident in Shelby County, and two days since a 14-year-old was killed on an ATV in Cumberland County. Now, experts are urging people to stay vigilant in moving vehicles.

No matter if you’re driving a car, riding a bike or hopping on a four-wheeler, you should always take precaution. Manufacturers even offer rebates for people to take ATV and UTV safety courses.

Depending on what size you’re wanting, there are age restrictions.

“Grandfather comes in and he says, ‘I want to buy an ATV for my eight-year-old and this is the one I want,'” said Tom Dillavou, owner of Fagen Scooters. “I might not be able to sell it to that person, because if they let me know that that’s for someone[…]that’s under age, I’m not allowed to sell it to them.”

He said when it comes to selling an ATV or UTV to families, he’s very cautious. His primary goal is making sure the owners of the purchase will be safe and use it responsibly.

For more information on how to apply for safety courses, click here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.