Detroit,MI : Detroit police seek ways to curb ATVs on September, Tuesday 5th 2017

The proliferation of all-terrain vehicles on city streets has police officials considering ways to move them off the roads.

The scrutiny comes after a 15-year-old ATV driver died when he tried to elude a Michigan State Police trooper who tried to pull him over. The trooper gave chase, zapped him with a stun gun, and the teen crashed and died.

The incident prompted the suspension of the officer and propelled the Michigan State Police to change its policy on giving chase in Detroit.

It’s also leading Detroit Police Chief James Craig to consider another possible solution: Setting aside land where off-road vehicles could be safely driven.

crash and death of Damon Grimes has focused attention on the use of the recreational vehicles in Detroit, where some residents say the drivers of four-wheelers, dirt bikes and go-karts present a safety risk.

“You see them driving up and down the road at 50-60 mph,” said Jonathan Pommerville, a Brightmoor resident. “They go through red lights like it’s nothing. There was a kid on a go-kart who hit the turnaround on Grand River going about 60 mph.”

Others say the off-road vehicles provide harmless fun.

“I see quite a few of them,” said Vaughn Arrington Jr., president of the Pelke Family Block Club on the east side. “Groups are getting them and riding throughout the neighborhood in Morningside and Osborn.

“... They get these four-wheelers and motorbikes, and they get people together for something positive. I think the police officers may want to talk to the kids and ask them to stay off the main roads and to be careful.”

Ron Szostec, 73, said ATV riders are a common sight on his southwest Detroit street.

“You see them on their four-wheelers going up and down Lonyo, mostly kids,” he said. “I usually see them during the day, so it’s not like they’re driving at night where you can’t see them. I don’t think it’s a big problem.”

Craig said he’s trying to figure out ways to curb the proliferation of off-road vehicles, which he said puts residents and drivers at risk.

“They’re dangerous when not used how they’re supposed to be used,” Craig said. “These things shouldn’t be driven on the street, and they pose a danger to both the public and rider. It’s been a real issue for law enforcement.”




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Detroit police seek ways to curb ATVs