Reality TVs Kate Plus 8 Disregards UTV Safety Warnings
While you might not fault producers of reality TV for failing to read the utility task vehicle (UTV) operators manual, you may wonder how they missed the decals.
In the finale of TLC’s two-part special Kate Plus 8: The Sextuplets Turn 10, Kate Gosselin gave her six youngest children a John Deere Gator 4×2 during their carnival-themed birthday bash. The 10-year-olds and the 13-year-old twins are shown driving and riding around in the two-seat UTV, using the cargo box for extra passengers.
But, according to the UTV’s manufacturer, the vehicle is designed to be driven only by adults. “Never allow the Gator to be operated by anyone younger than 16 years old,” a company’s safety video instructs. “Young drivers may not be able to control the Gator.”
“The Gator is designed for two people, the operator and one adult passenger,” the video says. “Never allow young children to ride in the Gator.” It also warns to never allow passengers of any age to ride in the cargo box, as “Riders can fall off and be injured or even killed.”
Guess the 39-year-old mother of eight, along with the shows writers, directors, producers and crew, missed the large decals with safety warnings on the UTV.
Here’s hoping viewers with young children noted the dangerous behavior and disregard for child safety. S