JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- When Victoria Hobbs and her husband decided to invest $14,000 in two ATVs, they believed the return would be hours of family fun.
But now they're concerned. "It is not worth your kid's life. It may be fun, but it is not worth your kid's life," said Hobbs.
Hobbs said they bought the smaller ATV for their 12-year-old daughter and the bigger one so her husband could ride along. But they did not do their homework beforehand, and Hobbs said the retailer did not explain age restrictions.
"No one at either dealership made us aware that a child has to be 16-years-old to drive an type of ATV," she said.
Florida law says no one under 16 can operate, ride or be otherwise propelled on an all-terrain vehicle unless the person wears a safety helmet and eye protection.
"People don't sit down and read Florida Law," she said.
The vehicles have warning decals. One of the two owned by the Hobbs says no one under 12 can operate without supervision, the other says no one under 16 years of age.
"So here we are stuck with two ATVs," said Hobbs.
Hobbs said her 12-year-old now refuses to ride her ATV in the wake of the recent Putnam County accident where a boy the same age was killed. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1982 there have been 447 ATV deaths in Florida, a third involved children 16 years or younger.
Hobbs is parking her two ATVs and feels other parents should be aware. "Do you think I'm going to jeopardize my child? Do you think I am going to jeopardize my husband? No.These are not worth the jeopardy that they cause...," said Hobbs.
The CPSC said if you plan to buy an ATV play it safe, learn the state law and use these common sense tips;
- Get trained, even though it is not required in Florida.
- Wear a helmet, which is required if you are under 16.
- Don't allow children on adult ATVs.
- Don't ride in tandem.
MORE: Safety tips
First Coast News