ATV driver, 8, injures herself and passenger, 4
FORESTVILLE—Two young cousins, ages 4 and 8, were injured Sunday afternoon in an ATV accident in Chautauqua County, but neither injury is considered life-threatening, sheriff’s officials reported.
The 8-year-old was operating the all-terrain vehicle on her family’s King Road property at about 12:20 p. m., when she stopped so that her 4-year-old cousin, from Hanover, could get off the ATV.
As the younger girl got off, the throttle was pushed, causing the ATV to lurch forward and getting the 4- year-old’s leg caught on the machine.
The vehicle then went a short distance before striking a tree, leaving the older girl with an upper-arm injury, deputies reported.
The younger girl was taken to a nearby landing zone before being flown by Star Flight to Women and Children’s Hospital, Buffalo.
Her cousin was taken to Lake Shore Hospital, Irving, for treatment.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputy Chet Cobb cited the apparent contradiction under the law about young operators.
“Technically, you’re supposed to be 16 years old to operate an ATV, but if it’s on your property, you can be any age,” he said.
Deputies plan to consult with the Chautauqua County district attorney’s office today to ask about possible charges against any adults who may have allowed the girls to operate the ATV.
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