ATV SAFETY INSTITUTE REMINDS ENTHUSIASTS TO RIDE RESPONSIBLY WHILE CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY

IRVINE, CA – July 1, 2013 – With the Fourth of July holiday falling midweek, many all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts are expected to celebrate their independence by taking a long weekend. As a result, the ATV Safety Institute and the major manufacturers and distributors of ATVs remind enthusiasts to ride safely and responsibly any time they ride an ATV, but particularly over the approaching busy holiday.

 

Enthusiasts of all skill levels can minimize their risk and increase their fun by taking the ASI’s half-day, hands-on ATV RiderCourse and interactive E-Course to better understand how to safely operate their ATVs. The online course is free for everyone and the hands-on course is free if you’ve purchased a new, qualifying ATV from an ASI member company. Additionally, most ATV manufacturers offer incentives for completing the course in the form of cash or gift cards.

 

“This holiday reminds us of the many liberties we have in this country,” said ASI President Tim Buche. “In particular, enthusiasts are blessed with the freedom to ride ATVs on America’s diverse, spectacular trail systems. But along with liberty comes responsibility: respecting other trail users, the environment, and the capabilities of the ATV. The ASI wishes all enthusiasts a happy Independence Day and urges them to ride safely.”

 

To find a hands-on ATV RiderCourse and enroll, visit www.atvsafety.org or call 800-887-2887. The online ATV E-Course is also available at www.atvsafety.org and allows riders to increase their knowledge of ATV safety principles. Three age-specific online courses are available: one for adults, one for teens and one specifically for youngsters. All courses include videos and interactive games to make them fun and effective learning experiences for 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. Finally, all ATV enthusiasts, no matter their age or experience level, should follow ASI’s 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 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 a hands-on ATV RiderCourseSM and the free online E-Course. Call toll-free at (800) 887-2887 or go to www.atvsafety.org to register.

 

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.