Yamaha Rhino Rollover News
Twins' deaths stun tight-knit town
The crash was a tragic accident, but one that calls into question the safety of ATVs and riders' ability
-Timesunion
06/23/2009 - SCHAGHTICOKE -- Zachary and Alex Rohloff, twin sons of a local developer, might not have known they were on a deadly collision course when they crested a small hill on their ATVs and collided head-on in Schaghticoke, according to the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Department.
The 17-year-olds were killed in the accident that occurred about 7:30 p.m. Sunday as they were riding in opposite directions on a rural trail and hit head-on near the apex of a small hill, according to Capt. Derek Pyle of the sheriff's department.
Pyle said the two might not have seen each other as their vehicles suddenly met near the top of the incline, leaving them no time to change course. Neither teen was wearing a helmet.
A 15-year-old girl also injured in the crash remains in critical condition, authorities said. Her name has not been released.
The teens were the sons of Brian Rohloff. a local developer, and Deanna Rohloff. The couple live at 70 Kardas Road in a rural part of town.
''This is every parent's worst nightmare,'' said Mechanicville Mayor Anthony J. Sylvester, who knew the twins' father from his work in the city. ''And to lose two kids at once, and twins at that. Just horrible.''
The crash occurred on a well-worn ATV trail on rolling farmland near 100 Kardas Road. The twins' family home, a large mansion in the middle of acres of lawn, is nearby, but the teens were not riding on their parents' property. Pyle said deputies were still trying to determine who owns the land the riders were using.
A family spokesperson said they were in mourning and declined further comment.
The accident happened as the school year is coming to a close. News of the tragedy cast a pall at Hoosic Valley High School.
Ashley Donovan and Bryanna Lawlass, classmates at Hoosic Valley, heard about the accident through forwarded text messages and postings on the social networking site MySpace.
"I heard sirens last night, and found out today," Lawlass said Monday.
Both girls said most students at the high school know about the crash and knew the twins.
Describing the brothers as "nice kids," Donovan and Lawlass said the boys were known to ride all-terrain vehicles often.
ATV deaths have skyrocketed in recent years as the popularity of the speedy machines has increased.
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission statistics show there were 542 ATV fatalities across the country in 2007, the most recent year numbers have been compiled. There were 241 fatalities in 1997 and 29 in 1982, the first year data was collected.
In 2007, 150,900 people were injured in ATV crashes, according to Sonia Hayes-Pleasant, a commission spokeswoman. Several off-roading Web sites say most ATVs can travel in excess of 40 mph.
Just three weeks ago, 13-year-old James Wyatt Spencer, an avid ATV rider, died in Knox when his family's 2009 Yamaha Rhino flipped on a patch of wet grass.
The machine landed on Spencer in a field more than 500 yards from his home.
He was rushed to Albany Medical Center Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from massive head trauma.
Bob Gardinier can be reached at 454-5696 or by email at bgardinier@timesunion.com.
Riders' rules
State law governing the operation of ATVs requires:
All riders (operator and passengers) wear a helmet.
ATVs must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Registrations must be renewed annually.
ATV use on highways is prohibited.
No one under 10 may ride or operate an ATV.
Children between age 10 and 15 may ride if they are on a parent's land and supervised by a parent, or on a parent's land and in possession of a safety training certificate.
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