(ARA) - Riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is an increasingly popular family fun activity for tens of millions of Americans. ATVs also are essential tools for ranchers, law enforcement, military and many others. There are more models than ever to choose from, with a wide range of ATVs designed to suit the needs of every kind of rider. From 1997 to 2002, sales of new ATVs in the United States more than doubled, from close to 360,000 to nearly 770,000 a year.
With more people discovering both the joy and versatility of these multipurpose machines, proper training and appropriate use of ATVs is more important than ever. And it’s critical that parents buy the right-sized ATV for their children under 16 and supervise them at all times while they’re riding.
“ATVs are fun and extremely useful when used responsibly,” says Tim Buche, president of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). “The ATV industry promotes rider education, parental supervision and appropriate state legislation as key aspects to improving ATV safety for children and adults.”
The SVIA is an information source for the ATV industry. The ATV Safety Institute (ASI) is a not-for-profit division of the SVIA that implements a national program supporting ATV safety education. The SVIA and the ASI are committed to providing quality ATV training throughout the United States, with the goal of offering uniform, consistent service regardless of geographic area. More than 510,000 riders have taken the ASI RiderCourse since 1988, including more than 47,000 in 2002. Nearly 1,500 active ASI instructors conduct training at 935 locations nationwide.
The ASI promotes the following seven “Golden Rules” of ATV safety:
1. All riders, children and adults, should take an approved ATV training course.
2. Children should ride an ATV that’s right for their age. Parents play an essential role in selecting the most appropriate sized ATV, and should follow these ASI guidelines:
Age 6 or older – Under 70cc
Age 12 or older – 70cc to 90cc
Age 16 and older – Over 90cc
3. Children under the age of 16 should always ride under adult supervision.
4. All riders should always wear an off-highway motorcycle helmet, over-the-ankle boots, long pants, gloves, long sleeves and eye protection.
5. Never carry a passenger.
6. Never ride on public roads and always avoid paved surfaces.
7. Ride only on designated trails and ride responsibly.
With the goal of reinforcing these guidelines, the ATV industry strongly supports appropriate state legislation that imposes reasonable age limits, prohibits carrying of passengers and operating on streets and highways, and requires helmets while riding.
If riders follow the “Golden Rules” and ride within their personal skill limits, ATVs can provide countless hours of safe outdoor recreation for the entire family. Information on ATV training is available through the ATV Safety Institute at (800) 887-2887, or online at www.atvsafety.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
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