53rd ATV fatal of 2005

It occured this week in Roane County. Apparently, a 65-year-old man rode his ATV to burn some debris on his property. The ATV may have flipped on him and pinned him in the fire.

I don't have anything against ATVs. I have something against people who ride them irresponsibly on paved roads. I have seen a pack of maybe a half dozen riders going 40 mph or more on secondary roads. No helmets. No concern that their machines really aren't made for braking on paved roads in case of an emergency.

Not that this has anything to do with the most recent ATV death, but if ATV riders want to be on paved roads, they should abide by the same laws as motorcyclists. Not that it can be enforced, and not that they should even be on the pavement for any distance, but if they insist on being allowed on paved roads. . .