ADDIS, La. (WAFB) – The town of Addis is considering an ordinance to regulate off-road vehicles after an increase in crashes involving young riders.
Off-road vehicles are not allowed on streets, but Police Chief Jason Langlois said enforcement is difficult.
“To an extent, it is difficult to enforce when you have so many officers out on the streets and other calls coming in while trying to enforce these issues,” Langlois said.
Over the last year, Langlois said the department has seen more crashes when kids ride where they shouldn’t.
“We have had a few incidents in the past where several people have been hurt before, and we want to stop it. We don’t want to see anybody get hurt,” Langlois said.
The proposed ordinance would allow golf carts and side-by-sides on certain municipal roads with safety restrictions. Drivers would need to be 21 or older with a valid license, follow state law restrictions, carry insurance, and stay off state highways.
Langlois said he hopes providing a legal place to drive the vehicles will reduce illegal rides and injuries.
“I don’t think we’re going to have as much recklessness. They can be very dangerous, and there’s been incidents all across the state and nation with off road vehicles, and just safety needs to be the primary concern,” Langlois said.
The ordinance still needs approval from the council.
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