The ATV Safety Institute will provide free rider training for the second straight year during ATV Safety Week this spring. The ASI is again working with partners across America who will be volunteering to provide free ATV RiderCourses and other safety education June 6–14.
“The first step toward safe ATV riding is taking the ASI RiderCourse and we’re making it available to adults, kids and families all over the country early in the riding season,” said Cam Arnold, ASI’s vice president of rider training. “ATV Safety Week is about promoting the eight Golden Rules for safe riding and we can think of no better way than to offer our class at no charge to participants. We invite everyone with an ATV to meet our instructors, have some fun and learn how to ride ATVs safely.”
The ATV RiderCourse is free for anyone who meets the age requirements and signs up during ATV Safety Week. Riders can find the closest training sites by going to ATVSafety.org and clicking on the ATV Safety Week logo. Additional locations will be added as they are confirmed and the most current list can be found on the training page. Riders should then call 800-887-2887 to sign up for a class.
According to Consumer Product Safety Commission data, 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors, such as youth riding on adult-sized ATVs. During ATV Safety Week, riders can learn about the proper operation of their machine, find out about helmets and other protective gear, and learn ways to dramatically reduce risk.
The ATV RiderCourse is also free year-round for anyone who has purchased a new, qualifying ATV from an ATV Safety Institute member company. The ASI also offers a free E-Course, which is available online 24/7. This online course is available in three age-specific courses for adults, teens and children. Students learn how to apply the Golden Rules of ATV riding in an interactive setting. The E-Course includes videos, pictures and games to make it a fun and effective learning experience for all ages. After finishing the course, users can take an ATV safety exam and receive a certificate of completion.
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.
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 atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.
