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ORGANIZATION FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SAFE AND
RESPONSIBLE USE OF ROVs
A new name-
ROV, Recreational Off-highway Vehicle- for the
increasingly popular side-by-sides and UTV
categories is announced by ROHVA, as well as
safety rules, equipment standards,
configuration, performance requirements and
guidelines for trail access issues
Formed by the major manufacturers and
distributors to promote the safe and responsible
use of a new and emerging category of
recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), the
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association
(ROHVA) received ANSI accreditation on November
3, 2008 to develop a standard for the equipment,
configuration and performance requirements of
ROVs. In addition, ROHVA has published Safety
Rules for these increasingly popular off-road
vehicles.
An ROV – sometimes broadly referred to as a
side-by-side or UTV – is a motorized off-highway
vehicle designed to travel on four or more
non-highway tires, with a steering wheel,
non-straddle seating, seat belts, an occupant
protective structure, and engine displacement up
to 1,000cc. Current models are designed with
seats for a driver and one or more passengers.
ROVs’ performance and durability make them
ideally suited for a variety of outdoor
recreational activities as well as many work
applications.
Of particular interest to the State Partners
of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation
Council (NOHVCC) are issues regarding ROV trail
access on motorized trails. Click here to see
how
ROVs may fit into trail management plans. In
addition, ROHVA has created a document entitled
"Model State Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle
(ROV) Legislation" which is available for
use by state OHV associations, land managers,
agencies and lawmakers.
The following “ROV Safety Rules” focus on
safe and responsible ROV use:
- Always wear protective gear, use the
seat belts, keep all parts of your body
inside the ROV, and wear a helmet when
driving the ROV for recreational purposes.
- Never drive on public roads – another
vehicle could hit you.
- Drive only in designated areas, at a
safe speed, and use care when turning and
crossing slopes.
- Never drive under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs.
- Never drive an ROV unless you’re 16 or
older or have a driver’s license. ROVs are
not toys.
- Never carry more passengers than the ROV
is designed for, and never allow a passenger
who is too small to sit in a passenger seat
to ride in the ROV.
- Read and follow the operator’s manual
and warning labels.
“The safety of the driver and passengers of
ROVs is the top priority of the ROHVA member
companies,” said ROHVA Vice President Tom Yager.
“ROHVA and our member companies strongly
recommend that ROV drivers and passengers follow
these important safety rules to avoid crashes
and injuries.”
In addition, ROHVA will serve as the primary
resource for information on ROVs. To coincide
with its ANSI accreditation the association has
launched a website,
www.rohva.org, and has published ROV Safety
Rules as well as a description of this emerging
vehicle category. Further specific ROV
educational materials are currently under
development and will be posted to the site.
ROVs offered in dealerships across the
country include the Arctic Cat Prowler, Kawasaki
TERYXTM, Polaris Ranger® and Ranger RZRTM, and
Yamaha Rhino models.
The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle
Association (ROHVA) was formed to promote the
safe and responsible use of recreational
off-highway vehicles (ROVs) manufactured or
distributed in North America. Based in Irvine,
Calif., the not-for-profit trade association is
sponsored by Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki,
Polaris, and Yamaha
About NOHVCC
The
National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation
Council, as a national body of OHV recreation
enthusiasts, develops and provides a wide
spectrum of programs, materials and information,
or "tools", to individuals, clubs, associations
and agencies in order to further a positive
future for responsible OHV recreation.
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