As more than 35 million ATV enthusiasts take to the trails
this Memorial Day weekend, the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) and the major
manufacturers and distributors of ATVs hope to encourage riders to ride safely
and responsibly. The ASI estimates that nearly 11 million ATVs will be ridden
over the long holiday weekend, and it hopes to minimize riders' risk and
increase their fun by having riders take the ASI's hands-on ATV RiderCourse and
interactive E-Course.
"Now that the summer riding season is upon us, enthusiasts
everywhere can brush up on safety tips with the ASI's half-day, hands-on ATV
RiderCourse," said Tim Buche, president and CEO of the ATV Safety Institute.
"It's free if you've purchased a new, qualifying ATV from an ASI member-company,
and most major ATV manufacturers offer incentives for completing the course in
the form of cash or gift cards worth up to $100. ASI encourages all enthusiasts
to be safety-conscious whenever they ride, but especially on a busy holiday
weekend like Memorial Day."
Riders can find and enroll in a nearby ATV RiderCourse by
visiting www.atvsafety.org.
In addition to learning safe riding skills on the range, riders can also brush
up on ATV safety principles online with the ATV E-Course, available on the same
website. Age-specific online courses are available for adults, teens and
children. Each course includes videos and interactive games to provide fun and
effective learning experiences to every age group.
According to data from the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of
warned-against behaviors, such as youths riding adult-sized ATVs. Therefore,
the ASI strongly recommends that all ATV riders follow the warning labels on
each vehicle. To further minimize rider risk, ASI has established its Eight
Golden Rules of ATV Safety:
1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long
pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
2. Never ride on paved roads except to cross when done safely and
permitted by; ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than
one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people.
5. Ride an ATV that's right for your age.
6. Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8. Take a hands-on ATV RiderCourse and the free online E-Course.
Riders who want
to take the course can call toll-free at (800) 887-2887 or go to www.atvsafety.org to
register.
Formed in 1988, the ASI is a not-for-profit division of the
Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. The Specialty Vehicle Institute of
America promotes the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles through
rider training, public awareness campaigns and state legislation. Additionally,
the SVIA works to preserve access to off-road lands and expand riding
opportunities.
