ATV Safety Institute’s Veterans Day Weekend Reminder: Be Safe. Be Responsible. Follow the Golden Rules
Take an ATV RiderCourse; Check out Interactive e-Courses for Adults, Teens and Children

IRVINE, Calif., November 9, 2011 – This year, Veteran's Day falls on a Friday, which means that many families across the country will be taking advantage of the three-day weekend by riding their all-terrain vehicles. The ATV Safety Institute and the nation's major ATV manufacturers and distributors want to encourage all ATV riders to ride safely and responsibly this holiday weekend, and any time they start up an ATV.

FACT: Consumer Product Safety Commission data show that 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors.

Follow the 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.

"ASI offers a free, half-day, hands-on ATV safety course for anyone who has purchased a new ATV from an ASI member-company," said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president of the ATV Safety Institute. "Not only is the ATV RiderCourse free, but most of the major manufacturers of ATVs even pay people to take the course in the form of cash or merchandise certificates valued at up to $100." To enroll in an ATV RiderCourse, visit www.atvsafety.org. While the incentives are designed to encourage user participation, the free training is a lifelong offer and also extends to family members.

In addition to learning safe riding skills on the range, riders can brush up on ATV safety principles online with ASI’s E-Course, available at www.atvsafety.org. There are three age-specific e-learning courses to choose from: adults, teens, and children. The courses include videos and interactive games to make them fun and effective learning experiences for all age groups.

FACT: Nearly 90 percent of youth ATV-related injuries occur when a youth is operating an adult-sized ATV.

Vitrano reminds parents that supervising young riders is critical: "ATVs come in different sizes for a reason. Each ATV is designed for a certain age group, and it is critical that parents ensure their children ride the correct size ATV. One way parents can supervise their children's ATV use is by controlling the ATV's ignition key. Every new ATV has one, and parents literally hold the key to their children's safety." The ATV industry makes it easy to know which ATVs are the right size for a rider's age through the use of Manufacturer's Minimum Age Recommendation Warning Labels that are affixed to each ATV.

The ATV Safety Institute encourages families to talk about household rules for ATV riding so that everyone in the family can prepare for a safe, fun ride this holiday weekend,

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 RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America® promotes the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles through rider training, public awareness campaigns and state legislation. Additionally, the SVIA® works to preserve access to off-road lands and expand riding opportunities. The SVIA is a resource for ATV research, statistics and vehicle standards. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the SVIA develops standards for the equipment, configuration and performance requirements of ATVs.

Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is a not-for-profit industry association sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, Tomberlin and Yamaha. Visit the SVIA online at www.svia.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

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