Irvine, CA - Kids from coast to coast entered the "Do The Ride Thing" video contest to spread important ATV safety messages with their homemade videos. One creative 14 year-old walked away with the $2,500 grand prize for his unique "ATV Safety Rap" entry.
An ASI panel of judges selected the winners among dozens of entries from young enthusiasts nationwide, all aiming to highlight the association's "Golden Rules" of ATV Safety.
When he received the call notifying him that he had won the grand prize, Bobby Burns of Amherst, NY, had to excuse himself from the phone. "I'm sorry, I'm just so excited," said Bobby. After composing himself, he eagerly shared what his plans were with the cash prize. "I'm going to buy an iMac so I can make more videos."
The ASI chose winners in three age categories and all of the videos can be found here.
"ASI encourages all ATV riders to follow the Golden Rules of ATV safety-especially kids-but that message can have a much greater impact when it's delivered by another kid," said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI. "The `Do The Ride Thing' contest showcases the creativity of these young enthusiasts, but also draws attention to safe ATV practices and teaches young riders and their parents how important it is to always ride safe and ride smart."
The "Do the Ride Thing" Video Contest winners for the summer of 2011 are:
Grand Prize
$2,500 Grand Prize Winner - Bobby Burns of Amherst, NY. See Bobby's video here.
Ages 6-10
$1,100 First Place Winner - Joshua Boothe of American Fork, UT. See Joshua's video here.
$800 Second Place Winner - Benjamin & Christopher Boothe of American Fork, UT. See Benjamin & Christopher's video here.
Ages 11-14
$1,100 First Place Winner - Caleb McDowell of Marion, SC. See Caleb's video here.
$800 Second Place Winner - Eric Beets of Burlington, WI. See Eric's video here.
Ages 15-18
$1,100 First Place Winner - Kevin Collins of St. Fort Mill, SC. See Kevin's video here.
$800 Second Place Winner - Jasper Lown of Wheaton, IL. See Jasper's video here.
$600 Third Place Winner - Vanessa Woods of Deer Park, IL. See Vanessa's video here.
The ASI designed the contest (which ran from June 1 to Sept. 6) to inform and motivate kids and their parents on the responsible use of ATV riding while spreading the message to other young riders. Every entry took a unique approach to demonstrate safe riding practices, but each video highlighted one or more of the ASI Golden Rulesto ATV Safety:
The ATV Safety Institute's Golden Rules:
- Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.
- 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.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV and no more than one passenger on an ATV designed for two people.
- Ride an ATV that's right for your age.
- Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
- Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
- Take a hands-on ATV RiderCourse and the free online E-Course. Visit ATVSafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.
