Federal Panel sets Deadline for Commenting on ATV Safety

The federal Consumer Production Safety Commission has set a December 13 deadline for people to comment on the safety of ATVs.
The federal safety panel currently is considering "whether there may be unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with some'' ATVs. The commission says it is considering what actions it could take to reduce ATV-related deaths and injuries.

This is all part of the commissions Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued in October.

Act now to voice your opinion on the safety of ATVs, for both adults and kids. Let the commission know that you oppose any restrictions on the sales of ATVs for use by kids. Comments should be sent by December 13 by e-mail to cpsc-os@cpsc.gov. Comments should be captioned "ATV ANPR."

Comments may also be mailed, in five copies if possible, to the Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207-0001, or delivered to the Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Room 502, 4330 East-West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4408; telephone: (301) 504-7923.

Comments also may be faxed to: (301) 504-0127.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Leland, project manager, ATV Safety Review, Directorate for Economic Analysis, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington DC 20207; telephone: (301) 504-7706, or e-mail eleland@cpsc.gov.

This is the first step toward issuing new rules related to ATVs, and that could mean big changes for the industry and consumers, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association reports. It's a potentially serious step. The last time the commission seriously considered ATV safety, it banned three-wheeled ATVs.

Recently, the three-member CPSC has been considering a petition submitted by the Consumer Federation of America and other groups that calls for the CPSC to ban the sale of full-size ATVs for the use of children under the age of 16.

That potential ban has been opposed by ATVA Director Doug Morris and American Motorcyclist Association/ATVA Legislative Affairs Specialist Royce Wood, who testified in a commission hearing on the issue. Rather than a blanket ban on the sale of ATVs for use by kids, they supported a more thoughtful approach that includes greater parental involvement.

"We believe that proper training, the use of safety gear, parental supervision, and allowing children to ride right-size vehicles would do much to reduce ATV-related injuries and deaths involving children under 16," Morris said.

The ATVA, sister organization of the American Motorcyclist Association, is the only national organization devoted exclusively to fighting for the rights of ATVers. More members mean more clout to fight to protect your right to ride. To join the ATVA, call (800) ATVA-JOIN, or go to www.ATVAonline.com.