NORTH PORT, Fla. — The North Port Police Department is getting tough on off-road driving. This comes after accidents involving off-road driving in the area, most recently last weekend where a 10-year-old boy ejected from an ATV after the man driving hit a truck.
This weekend North Port Police are getting strict on off-road driving. A person must also obtain written permission from the property owner or drive more than half a mile from a residence.
“Unless you own property, you’re out here doing something you’re not supposed to be doing,” said Officer Scott Guzman with the North Port Police Department.
Police warn the sport could get dangerous. Recently, a 17-year-old girl died from off-roading while riding with 13 other passengers.
“It’s a seldom reminder that bad things happen out here,” Guzman said.
Charlie Hauser, who owns Hausermotorsports, who fixes and sells ATVs, says it only gets dangerous when people get out of control.
“As long as you’re responsible, it’s a pretty safe, overall sport,” Hauser said.
Hauser says it’s also hard to tell where you can and cannot drive.
“Nothing out there is posted. So as far as you know, it’s just blank land,” Hauser said.
The North Port Police say this weekend is to warn people about the sport.
“If you wouldn’t drive it from your house to Walmart, you shouldn’t drive it out here,” Guzman said.
Police say they will be checking for registration, insurance, and proper identification to run the motor vehicle.
