The number of atv deaths in West Virginia keeps rising, and lawmakers are considering follow-up legislation to their 2004 measure that aimed to reduce fatal wrecks.

One possible step could be extra funding for the Division of Motor Vehicles, which was assigned the mandatory safety courses required of all riders under age 18.

At interim meetings Sunday, lawmakers were told that the DMV was not given separate funding for that program when it was given the additional duties in 2004.

Lawmakers may also limit the size of atv's for children. The safety training so far has shown that young riders usually have machines designed for adults, weighing 500 pounds or more.

West Virginia reported 23 atv deaths as of last weekend. Forty riders were killed last year. The state ranks behind only California and Pennsylvania for total atv deaths over the last 23 years.