Expert: ATV was too dangerous for kids

AUSTERLITZ - The children should have never been on that ATV. That's one expert's opinion on the accident this past weekend that killed a 3-year-old girl in Columbia County.

An 8-year-old was operating an ATV that's only meant for adults. Police say he had his little sister along for the ride.

Every ATV is plastered with warning labels, including an age requirement. Certain ATVs are designed for younger operators.

According to the state Department of Motor Vehicles, children under the age of 10 can operate an ATV built for their size, but only under adult supervision.

All of the warnings were ignored in Saturday evening in Austerlitz. Police say a father brought his three children with him while house-sitting at a residence on Harrington Drive. His 8-year-old son hopped on an ATV and starting driving around. His two sisters, ages 10 and 3, were also onboard. Police say the child struck a tree and the 3-year-old was thrown from the vehicle, which then rolled on top of her. She was pinned underneath the ATV and died.

This kind of ATV is called a side-by-side. It resembles a golf cart.

"Not safe, not in a side-by-side, no kid should be riding them," ATV expert Eric Latorre said.

Latorre says side-by-sides are one of the most dangerous models out there.

"They're meant more for a utility vehicle to haul your wood if you have a big property you want to take care of," Latorre explained.

"Small children involved, somebody had the keys, 'Lets go out of a joyride,' and that's what happens. It's no good," he added.

Parents may be held liable if they allow their children to ride an ATV when they are not of proper age and don't have proper safety gear on.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Department says is the investigation is continuing.