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14-year-old and 9-year-old in serious condition after ATV crash in Baker County

BAKER COUNTY, Fla. — A 14 and a 9-year-old are seriously hurt after being involved in an ATV crash in Baker County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the crash happened on Reid Stafford Road in Glen St. Mary.

The 14-year-old, according to the official report, lost control of the ATV, causing it to overturn. FHP says two passengers, a 9 and 11-year-old, were also involved.

The 11-year-old was not hurt, but the teen driver and 9-year-old suffered serious injuries.

ATV drivers under 16 must be supervised by an adult and complete a safety course. They must also wear a USDOT approved safety helmet and eye protection.

You can also sign up for an in-person course. The price is $55 for riders ages 6 to 15, and $150 for riders ages 16 and over.

The classes will be free from May 15 - May 23, which marks ATV National Safety Week.

Dalton Booters, a local neighbor, told us his 14-year-old daughter took the course and it was simple.

“It was pretty easy, it was pretty straightforward,” he said. “It gave her the knowledge of how to operate it and what to do in certain occasions to keep safe.”

He said he agrees with FHP’s guidelines.

“Anybody under 16 should probably take a course to be familiar with the actual [ATV] and be supervised by an adult. That’s what I did,” Booters said. “I made sure that anytime [my daughter] rode she had an adult with her. And it’s a smart practice.”