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Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

The Evarts Tourist and Convention Commission met on Tuesday to discuss placing signs throughout the city advising those using off-road vehicles that helmets and seat belts are required within city limits. Hoping to save lives through their effort, the commission approved the purchase of 13 signs.

“Me and Roger (Webb) worked a wreck at the (Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area) park about two weeks ago and the boy didn’t have his seat belt on, but his wife did. She survived by having her seat belt on. If he’d had his seat belt on he might have survived too,” said commission member Henry Shackleford. “It’s the law that helmets are to be worn by all ATVs and UTVs. If we went through town and put signs up at all the loading sites, parks, camps and coming into town, then no one could say they didn’t know. When those who are not wearing their helmets and seat belts are stopped and ticketed by the police, then they will have no excuse.”

Shackleford said it will take 13 signs to cover the entire city. He said it is a liability to the city if someone is injured within the city limits by not wearing a helmet or seat belt.

“The signs should say helmets are required on all ATVs, side-by-side vehicles, and seat belts are required in all off-road vehicles,” said commission clerk Kristi Lamb. “The KRS can also be included on the sign. It is required by law to wear helmets and seat belts. Any vehicle that isn’t tagged, helmets are required. If we, as a tourism commission, can put more awareness out there for people, I think we should do that. I know a lot of people aren’t wearing helmets and assuming it’s OK, when in fact it’s not OK and it’s against the law to not wear them.”

Shackleford said the commission is not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings, but trying to potentially save lives.

Other actions approved included:

*Paying one-third of the cost, in partnership with the Cumberland and Harlan Tourist Commissions, to purchase tourist surveys to be distributed countywide;

*Agreeing to beautify the Welcome to Evarts sign on KY 38;

*Purchasing advertisement in the Kentucky Travel Guide at a cost of $435.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com