Staten Island Streets Become Off-road Trails After Snow
Once again, after a snowstorm, some Staten Island residents feel that its time to drive their ATV's on City streets. In New York City, it is illegal to drive an ATV on public streets or sidewalks. Although some streets are impassable after a snow storm, it doesn't mean that the law doesn't apply any longer. Throughout the island, you can hear the sound of ATV's zipping around the streets during a storm. Some people think its fun and that it really can't harm anyone. Others don't seem to care and feel that they are entitled to ride. What they fail to realize is what happens if someone gets hurt.
In New York State, if you are hurt in a car accident, your car insurance will normally pay your medical bills. Unfortunately, an ATV is not considered a "car" under your insurance policy and you won't be eligible for your medical bills to be paid by your car insurance. Most people are totally unaware of how their car insurance protects them in case of accident until its too late. I wrote a book, The Lawyers Guide To Purchasing Car Insurance to help consumers better understand how their policy protects them. Besides the fact that riding an ATV on a City street is illegal, it can leave you open to serious financial consequences.
If you are involved in ATV accident, your car or homeowners insurance won't cover you in case of an accident. If you are riding an ATV and hit a car or even someone crossing a street, you won't have any insurance that will cover you. What that means is that your insurance company will disclaim coverage and you will be responsible for defending a lawsuit and for any money damages that the injured person may recover. They can even come after your house. The bottom line is that an ATV is for off-road use only - don't jeopardize your financial safety for a quick ride. Its illegal and can have serious consequences.
Interesting, I didn't realize this was such a problem on Staten Island. Where I'm from there are a lot of back open spaces so there is little need to go out on the road.
Even so, you still see people using the roadways for ATV's sometimes and, like you said, there is definite inherent risk there.