South Carolina Lawmakers Delay Bill to Prevent ATV Injuries

March 2, 2009

South Carolina legislators have postponed voting on a bill that aims to prevent children from being injured on all-terrain vehicles.

The bill is dubbed “Chandler’s law” after a 16-year-old Swansea teen killed six years ago in an ATV accident while he was at a birthday party. His parents have been pushing for an ATV safety bill ever since.

Steven and Pamela Saylor say they’re frustrated, but they will continue to fight for legislation no matter how long it takes. Nationwide, 44 states have ATV safety laws.

Gov. Mark Sanford has repeatedly vetoed safety legislation for ATVs and the Legislature has not been able to muster enough votes to override his vetoes. Sanford has said the proposals impinge on private property rights, diminish parental responsibility, and would be difficult to enforce.