ATV Safety Institute Encourages Enthusiasts to Work Hard, Have Fun and Always be Safe
ASI Continues to Support Responsible Riding as Labor Day Approaches
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 29, 2012 – As the Labor Day weekend nears, ATV enthusiasts all over the country are gearing up to trade their pavement-bound daily commuter for their favorite off-highway vehicle to take advantage of the three-day weekend. The ATV Safety Institute, along with the nation’s major ATV manufacturers and distributors, urges the 35 million riders currently operating more than 10 million ATVs across the U.S. to ride safely and responsibly this weekend and every weekend.
“Labor Day weekend represents the heart of the riding season for millions of ATV enthusiasts,” said ASI Vice President Tom Yager. “The upcoming three-day weekend will see ATV riders all over the country taking to the trails and dunes, and enjoying the great outdoors. ASI urges all ATV enthusiasts to put safety first and ride responsibly. ASI offers many easy ways for riders to learn about ATV safety, from safety tips and practice guides to the online E-Course and the hands-on ATV RiderCourseSM.”
Taking the ATV RiderCourse is free for anyone who has purchased a new, qualifying ATV from an ASI member company. Most of the major ATV manufacturers also offer incentives in the form of cash or merchandise certificates for completing the course.
To find an ATV RiderCourse and enroll, visit atvsafety.org or call 800-887-2887. In addition to learning safe riding skills on the range, riders can also enhance their knowledge of ATV safety principles online with the ATV E-Course, also available at atvsafety.org. Three age-specific online courses are available: one for adults, one for teens, and one specifically for children. All the courses include videos and interactive games to make them fun and effective learning experiences for every age group.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data show that 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors such as youth riding adult-size ATVs, riding too fast, not wearing proper gear and riding under the influence. ASI urges everyone to follow the eight Golden Rules of ATV safety that address these behaviors and apply to all riders:
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 law – another vehicle could hit you. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or 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 an ATV RiderCourse: call toll-free at (800) 887-2887 or go to atvsafety.org to register or take the online E-Course.
The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute® develops rider training programs and promotes the safe and responsible use of ATVs. The ASI® works to reduce crashes and injuries resulting from improper ATV use. Formed in 1988, the ASI is a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America®. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.
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. The SVIA is a resource for ATV research, statistics and vehicle standards. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the SVIA develops standards for the equipment, configuration and performance requirements of ATVs.
Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is a not-for-profit industry association sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, and Yamaha. Visit the SVIA online at www.svia.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.