Potential rule-making could harm off-highway vehicle users

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) - A potential federal action could impact thousands of people in Idaho who use off-highway vehicles.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a proposal that would require new safety rules for off-highway vehicles. 

The main reason for this is what's called debris penetration injuries. That's when debris like a branch or stick damages a vehicle or person. 

Local experts says these kinds of accidents are rare, and federal rules are not the answer. 

"When it comes to debris penetration, they're extremely rare instances, but we take it seriously. The cpsc asked us to take a look at this as part of our revised standards that we were doing," Scott Schloegel said.

Six senators are also raising concerns with CPSC about the idea including Idaho's Jim Risch. 

Risch signed a letter asking for the agency to withdraw the rule making altogether.