Irvine, CA - The ATV Safety Institute (ASI), along with the
major manufacturers and distributors of ATVs, encourage all ATV enthusiasts to
ride safely and responsibly this upcoming holiday weekend and any time they
ride an ATV. More than 35 million riders will be operating approximately 10
million ATVs over Memorial Day weekend in the United States and they can minimize
their risk while increasing their fun by taking the ASI's hands-on ATV
RiderCourse or interactive E-Course to better understand how to safely operate
their ATVs.
"The ASI urges all ATV enthusiasts to enroll in an ATV RiderCourse,"
Gary Higgins, chairman of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA),
said. "Participating in the half-day, hands-on course really is the ideal way
to kick off the summer riding season. Taking the course is free if you've
purchased a new, qualifying ATV from an ASI member-company. And, most of the
major ATV manufacturers offer incentives for completing the course in the form
of cash or merchandise certificates worth up to $100. Really, taking the ATV
RiderCourse is a win-win situation for everyone."
To find an ATV RiderCourse near you and enroll, visit
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.
Three age-specific online courses are available: one for adults, another for
teens and one specifically aimed at children. All the 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. As a result, 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, can further minimize their risk by
simply adhering to the ASI's 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 law - another vehicle could hit you. 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 an ATV RiderCourse; call toll-free at (800)
887-2887 or go to www.atvsafety.org to
register. Or take the online e-course at www.atvsafety.org.
Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is a not-for-profit industry association
sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki,
KTM, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, Tomberlin and Yamaha. Visit the SVIA online
at www.svia.org.
