ATV SAFETY INSTITUTE AND MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE DO THE RIDE THING VIDEO CONTEST WINNERS

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 18, 2013 – Young riders across America used their creativity and video skills to produce public service announcements and be in the running to win a total of $8,500 in this year’s Do the Ride Thing competition.

Fifteen-year-old Jacob Sestak of Prague, Okla., won the $2,500 Grand Prize in the fourth annual contest to promote safe and responsible riding, sponsored by the ATV Safety Institute, Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Right Rider Access Fund. Sestak’s video stressed the importance of safety while using ATVs in agricultural work.

“I am very humbled and honored to receive such a grand award,” Sestak said. “I really enjoyed putting together the videos I have done the past two years. This prize money will be very helpful in furthering my education after high school.”

Sestak said that after completing the ATV RiderCourse in the fall of 2011, he realized the importance of informing the public about the use of proper gear and machine size.

“It is my hope that in seeing my video that people will understand the absolute necessity of wearing the proper personal protective equipment for the task at hand,” Sestak said. “It only takes a second to prevent a life-altering injury.”

1) Jade Dillenbeck of Tully, New York

2) Jaden Boyle of Stockton, Kansas

3) Teag Thompson of Clarence City, New York

1) Elizabeth Klumpp of Edmond, Oklahoma

2) Emilie Burns of Buckeye, Arizona

3) Ryan Dillow of Edmund, Oklahoma

1) Bobby Burns of Buckeye, Arizona

2) Brittany Magoon of Mico, Texas

3) Keegan Carlson of Glendale, Arizona

1) Jessica Rhodes of Nibley, Utah

2) Elijah and Emma Hurst of Torrance, California

3) Jack DeDobbelaere of St. Charles, Illinois

All of the winning videos can be viewed here.

“Youth tend to be more receptive to messages about safety when it comes from their peers,” said ASI Executive Vice President Paul Vitrano. “This program allows youth to teach other kids, and their parents, the importance of safety when riding an ATV or dirt bike, while using their own creativity and storyline. We strongly encourage trade and enthusiast media, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and youth organizations to share the winning videos.”

Since the program’s creation in 2010, youth have been encouraged to incorporate the ASI’s Golden Rules of ATV safety and the MSF DirtBike School’s Dirt Bike Riding Tips into their videos. More information about the Do the Ride Thing program can be viewed here.

The contest took place from June 1 to Aug. 15. More than 40 submissions were reviewed by a judging panel of ASI and Right Rider Access Fund staff. In addition to the grand prize winner, three ATV entries in three age categories (6-10, 11-14 and 15-18) were awarded prizes of $500, $300 and $200. The 15-18 age group was the only dirt bike category with entrants who met the contest requirements, and winners were also awarded first-, second- and third-place prizes of $500, $300 and $200.

The ASI and MSF encourage riders to always follow eight important safety rules.

The ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules

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 RiderCourse and the free online E-Course. Visit ATVSafety.org or call 800.887.2887.

MSF Dirt Bike Riding Tips

1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.

2. Except for dual-purpose models, never ride on paved surfaces except to cross when done safely and permitted by law. Another vehicle could hit you. Dirt bikes are designed to be operated off-highway.

3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

4. Supervise riders younger than 16. Dirt bikes are not toys.

5. Never permit youngsters to ride dirt bikes that are too tall or too powerful for their capabilities.

6. Don’t ride alone on remote trails. Use the buddy system.

7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.

8. Take a hands-on riding course. Visit DirtBikeSchool.org.

The Do the Ride Thing Contest is sponsored by the ATV Safety Institute, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Dirt Bike School and the Right Rider Access Fund.

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 RiderCourse nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF® have been recognized worldwide since 1973.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourse nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

The Right Rider Access Fund combines the existing support of the powersports industry associations with contributions from businesses and individuals. The fund uses industry expertise on a charitable basis to manage the work of the Fund, with the result being that 100 percent of contributions support riders. The breadth of the funding sources, the depth of expertise and the absence of overhead make the Fund a one-of-a kind resource for OHV enthusiasts. For more information, to contribute or for assistance in establishing a payroll deduction or matching gift program, visit www.riderfund.org or call 877-806-7813.

The Right Rider Access Fund is a charitable, community benefit organization created in 2011 to support off-highway vehicle enthusiasts directly, by supplementing the work of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and in other ways. The Fund’s charitable mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of off-highway vehicles and to preserve their access to appropriate lands. Visit http://www.riderfund.org.