ATV Safety Institute Honors Veterans, Urges Enthusiasts to be Safe over Long Weekend
IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 7, 2012 – The ATV Safety Institute and its members extend their gratitude and respect to all of our country’s veterans this Veterans Day weekend. With many other Americans also honoring and remembering our veterans while taking Monday off, ASI and the major manufacturers and distributors of ATVs encourage ATV enthusiasts who choose to ride over the long weekend to be safe and responsible. Those enthusiasts can minimize their risk while increasing their fun by taking the ASI’s hands-on ATV RiderCourse and interactive E-Course to better understand and enjoy their ATVs.
Taking the hands-on 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.
Many veterans rode ATVs during their service,” said ASI Vice President Tom Yager. “They and many others enjoy ATVs for recreation as well as work tasks. Regardless of their level of experience, we encourage veterans, their families and all ATV enthusiasts to enroll in the hands-on ATV RiderCourse. The half-day course is ideal for beginner and experienced riders alike, and accommodates riders ages 6 and above. Taking the course is a great way to brush up on your ATV safety skills and it’s also an excellent way to spend quality time with your whole family. We can’t think of a better way to experience the holiday weekend than by improving your ATV riding skills in the great outdoors.”
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 are interactive 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 while impaired. 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 while impaired (by 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.