Ark City woman cited after juvenile crashes ATV, injuring woman

ACPD urges ATV, golf cart safety precautions, including lawful operation age

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (April 26, 2021) — The Arkansas City Police Department cited the guardian of a juvenile for allowing the minor to drive an ATV after a rollover accident left another woman injured.

The Arkansas City Fire-EMS and Police departments were dispatched about 4:57 p.m. April 18 to the Crestwood neighborhood in east Arkansas City for a report of an injury accident in the area of the Edgewood Lane cul-de-sac, located west of Crestwood Drive and south of East Chestnut Avenue.

Officers determined a juvenile had been operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) illegally in the roadway when, while turning around in the cul-de-sac, the vehicle rolled over onto its passenger side.

This caused injury to the ankle of the passenger, a 43-year-old Winfield woman. The juvenile only sustained minor injuries in the accident. Both the driver and passenger were wearing their seat belts.

The passenger was transported by the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department to South Central Kansas Medical Center for treatment of her ankle injury.

The juvenile’s guardian, Penny L. Coffelt, 55, of Arkansas City, was cited through Arkansas City Municipal Court for permitting an unauthorized minor to drive a vehicle.

A defendant’s guilt or innocence is to be determined by a court of law.

Safe operation of ATVs, golf carts

“Although it is common to see ATVs and golf carts being driven in the Crestwood area on a daily basis, sometimes by young children, this behavior is not legal under Arkansas City Municipal Code,” said ACPD Capt. Jim Holloway.

“This incident points out the need for more ATV safety awareness in our community.”

It is unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle on streets within the City limits, according to the Standard Traffic Ordinance adopted by the City of Arkansas City in its Municipal Code, except when using it for agricultural purposes. Additionally, it is illegal to drive any ATV between sunset and sunrise unless it is equipped with the same lights required by law for motorcycles that are being ridden at night.

Violating this law is punishable by a fine of $75, plus Arkansas City Municipal Court costs.

Furthermore, it also is illegal to operate a golf cart on any City street (unless specifically authorized by the City of Arkansas City) or any street or highway with a posted speed limit in excess of 30 mph.

Golf carts being driven legally also are subject to the same motorcycle lighting provision as ATVs after nightfall, and additionally must be marked with a slow-moving vehicle emblem, per state statute.

“We know we will see more ATV use during the upcoming summer months,” Holloway said. “ACPD encourages all Arkansas City riders and drivers to obey these local ordinances and follow safety rules.”

Holloway said the four most important rules for any ATV rider or golf cart driver to obey are as follow: