ATV legislation will save lives

Eight years ago Pam and Steve Saylor dropped their son Chandler off at a friend's "swimming" birthday party. At some point during the party a decision was made to allow the boys at the party to ride ATVs (all terrain vehicles). It was a decision that would forever change the lives of the Saylors - and one that would end Chandler's life. What many don't know about Chandler's accident is that he died trying to avoid hitting another boy. And, if you've ever had the privilege of meeting the Saylors, it's not hard to see where this selfless act came from.

Since their son's death, the Saylor's have worked tirelessly to implement ATV safety legislation for children in South Carolina. So it is somehow fitting that the bill with their son's name on it will become law within a day or two of the anniversary of his death.

With "Chandler's Law," South Carolina will become one of 45 states with ATV safety legislation. The legislation is not perfect, but it does establish basic training, safety equipment and ride-the-right-size-ATV requirements. There are exceptions to these requirements, but parents should ensure that their children meet these requirements for their safety and to protect themselves legally if, for example, the child accidentally rides onto public land unsupervised.

We'd like to express our gratitude to the South Carolina General Assembly for passing this legislation, and we are especially grateful for the leadership shown by Rep. Harry Ott, Rep. Paul Agnew, and Sen. Brad Hutto. They would undoubtedly agree, however, that the real credit goes to the Saylors who, year after year, never wavered from their commitment to keep children safe.

Because of their efforts, the number of children injured or killed on ATVs in South Carolina should significantly decrease. And that is a goal we can all get behind.

Michael is executive director of the S.C. Children's Hospital Collaborative, and Vaughn is director of Safe Kids SC, led by the Children's Trust of South Carolina.