ATV Safety Institute Honors Veterans, Urges Enthusiasts to be Safe over Long Weekend

IRVINE, CA – November 7, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The ATV Safety Institute and its members extend their gratitude and respect to all of our country’s veterans this Veterans Day weekend. With many other Americans also honoring and remembering our veterans while taking Monday off, ASI and the major manufacturers and distributors of ATVs encourage ATV enthusiasts who choose to ride over the long weekend to be safe and responsible. Those enthusiasts can minimize their risk while increasing their fun by taking the ASI’s hands-on ATV RiderCourse and interactive E-Course to better understand and enjoy their ATVs.

Taking the hands-on ATV RiderCourse is free for anyone who has purchased a new, qualifying ATV from an ASI member company. Most of the major ATV manufacturers also offer incentives in the form of cash or merchandise certificates for completing the course.

“Many veterans rode ATVs during their service,” said ASI Vice President Tom Yager. “They and many others enjoy ATVs for recreation as well as work tasks.  Regardless of their level of experience, we encourage veterans, their families and all ATV enthusiasts to enroll in the hands-on ATV RiderCourse. The half-day course is ideal for beginner and experienced riders alike, and accommodates riders ages 6 and above. Taking the course is a great way to brush up on your ATV safety skills and it’s also an excellent way to spend quality time with your whole family. We can’t think of a better way to experience the holiday weekend than by improving your ATV riding skills in the great outdoors.”

To find an ATV RiderCourse and enroll, visit atvsafety.org or call 800-887-2887. In addition to learning safe riding skills on the range, riders can also enhance their knowledge of ATV safety principles online with the ATV E-Course, also available at atvsafety.org. Three age-specific online courses are available: one for adults, one for teens, and one specifically for children. All the courses are interactive to make them fun and effective learning experiences for every age group.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data show that 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors such as youth riding adult-size ATVs, riding too fast, not wearing proper gear and riding while impaired. ASI urges everyone to follow the eight Golden Rules of ATV safety that address these behaviors and apply to all riders:

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 while impaired (by 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 an ATV RiderCourse: call toll-free at (800) 887-2887 or go to atvsafety.org to register or take the online E-Course.

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^SM 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, and Yamaha. Visit the SVIA online at www.svia.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse^SM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

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ATV Safety Institute Staff Serve as Panelists at U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ATV Safety Summit

Topics Include Training, Technology, Awareness and State Legislation

BETHESDA, MD – October 11, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -ATV Safety Institute staff are making presentations and participating in question-and-answer sessions today and tomorrow at an ATV Safety Summit hosted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at its headquarters just outside Washington, D.C.

The focus is “Keeping Families Safe on ATVs” and the summit is being held to share new information and foster collaborative efforts among various stakeholders in the ATV safety community.

ASI representatives will discuss the online ASI ATV Sales Force E-Course, which helps train dealership staff about ATV safety issues; the recent additions of the online E-Course and hands-on S-Course to the ATV RiderCourse^SM; enacting proper state ATV safety legislation; ATV innovations and technology; safety awareness programs such as the “Do the Ride Thing” campaign aimed at youth; and the ongoing media relations effort to reach consumers through print, broadcast and online news outlets.

“The ATV Safety Summit is an important venue and we welcome the opportunity to share a number of our latest and continuing initiatives with various members of the safety community,” said ASI Executive Vice President Paul Vitrano. “We are always looking for opportunities to work with other safety-minded parties to encourage safe and responsible use of ATVs.”

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 and Yamaha. Visit the SVIA online at www.svia.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse^SM nearest you, visit www.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^SM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

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ATV Safety Institute Launches Inaugural ATV Safety Week

D.C. / Baltimore Area Event Hosts National Media

IRVINE, CA – October 10, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The ATV Safety Institute hosted its first-ever Autumn ATV Safety Week event yesterday near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, giving national media outlets the opportunity to experience the nationally recognized, hands-on ATV RiderCourseSM and speak with key staff members.

ASI instructors and ASI Executive Vice President Paul Vitrano were on hand with several ATVs, two riding ranges, and a scenic trail located on the green rolling hills of a small farm in Sykesville, Md. Joining national media outlets were a local father and his two daughters, demonstrating a pair of age-specific, youth-model ATVs.

“The ASI looks forward to making this an annual safety-promoting event, and to instituting a yearly Spring ATV Safety Week as well, delivering key safety messages at times of the year when ATV sales and riding traditionally go up,” said Vitrano.  “ATV Safety Week will further the ASI’s primary goal of promoting the safe and responsible use of ATVs, thereby reducing crashes and injuries that result from improper operation by the rider.”  This is the latest in a number of public awareness initiatives conducted by ASI since 1988.

The ASI launched this week-long campaign as yet another opportunity to spread ASI member company safety messages to existing and potential ATV riders through national and local media outlets. In addition to yesterday’s RiderCourse, the ASI is mounting a multi-faceted, social media outreach that will highlight the importance of taking the ATV RiderCourse, the ASI’s free online eCourse, and the ASI’s Golden Rules of ATV Riding, with links to ATV safety videos, PSAs and collateral, links to ASI’s “Do The Ride Thing” contest submission videos and more.

The ASI looks forward to making this an annual safety-promoting event, and to instituting a yearly Spring ATV Safety Week as well, with the idea of delivering key safety messages at times of the year when ATV sales and riding traditionally go up. This is the latest in a number of public awareness initiatives conducted by the ASI going back to 1988.

“Experiencing the 16 exercises of the ASI RiderCourse under the guidance of highly experienced licensed instructors provides a first-hand perspective about the importance of making your first ride an ASI RiderCourse and to make the right choices when out on the trails,” Vitrano said. “It was great to have our guests go from being somewhat apprehensive to having fun on the ATVs, after getting the proper safety instruction. We hope to provide the hands-on experience of the ASI ATV RiderCourse to as many mainstream media as we can to help spread the word about the importance of training.”

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 and Yamaha. Visit the SVIA online at www.svia.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit http://www.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 RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

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ATV Safety Institute Selects Winners of “Do the Ride Thing” Video Contest

Public Service Announcements Earn Kids Cash prizes

IRVINE, CA – October 9, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Creative, cash winning kids from coast to coast are getting their videos on safe and responsible ATV riding posted online as public service announcements by the ATV Safety Institute, MSF’s DirtBike School^SM and the Right Rider Access Fund.

A judging panel from ASI, Right Rider Access Fund and the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) selected the winners among dozens of entries from young enthusiasts nationwide, all aiming to highlight ASI’s Golden Rules of ATV Safety or the MSF DirtBike School’s Dirt Bike Riding Tips.

David Atkins, an 18-year old from Edmond, Oklahoma, won the grand prize of $2,500, while his fellow 4-H Club member Elizabeth Klumpp, 13, won the first place prize in the 11-14 age category.

“This is the first video contest I’ve ever won so I am very excited!” said David Atkins. “In Oklahoma, we’ve had several young people suffer traumatic brain injuries because they were not wearing helmets when they had accidents. I hope my PSA will help both youth and adults better understand the importance of always wearing proper riding gear while operating ATVs.”

The “Do the Ride Thing” contest has three age categories and two product categories (ATV and Dirt Bike) along with a grand prize. The winning videos can be viewed here.

“ASI urges all kids who ride off-highway to follow the Golden Rules of ATV Safety and the Dirt Bike Riding Tips, but that message can have a much greater impact when spoken by another kid,” said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI. “The ‘Do The Ride Thing’ contest allows us to draw attention to safe ATV and dirt bike practices and teaches young riders and their parents how important it is to always ride safe/ride smart. ASI encourages trade and enthusiast media, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and youth organizations to post winning videos on their websites to help promote these important safety messages.”

“Do the Ride Thing” Video Contest winners for the summer of 2012 are:

Grand Prize

• $2,500 Grand Prize Winner – David Atkins of Edmond, Oklahoma

Ages 6-10

ATV

• $500 First Place Winner – Jordan Smith of Tulsa, Oklahoma
• $300 Second Place Winner – Jade and Caleb Dillenbeck of Tully, New York

Dirt Bike

• $500 First Place Winner – Melody Sanders of Tulsa, Oklahoma

Ages 11-14

ATV

• $500 First Place Winner – Elizabeth Klumpp of Edmond, Oklahoma
• $300 Second Place Winner – Randy and David Clapp of Cumming, Georgia
• $200 Third Place Winner – Jacob Sestak of Prague, Oklahoma

Ages 15-18

ATV

• $500 First Place Winner – Eric Beets and Brian Freiesleben of Burlingtion, WI
• $300 Second Place Winner – Patrick Schrank of Norman, Oklahoma
• $200 Third Place Winner – Tanner Shelton of Pleasant View, Utah

Dirt Bike

• $500 First Place Winner -  Stephen Nymberg of Huntersville, North Carolina

The associations designed the contest (which ran from June 1 to August 15) to inform and motivate kids and their parents on the responsible use of ATVs and Dirt Bikes, while spreading the message to other young riders. Every entry took a unique approach to demonstrate safe riding practices, but each video highlighted one or more of ASI’s Golden Rules of ATV Safety or one or more of the MSF’s Dirt Bike Riding Tips:

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 other drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV 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 or the free online E-Course. Visit ATVSafety.org  or call 800.887.2887.

MSF Dirt Bike Riding Tips

1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
2. Except for dual-purpose models, never ride on paved surfaces except to cross when done safely and permitted by law – another vehicle could hit you. Dirt bikes are designed to be operated off-highway.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. Supervise riders younger than 16; dirt bikes are not toys.
5. Don’t let youngsters ride motorcycles that are too tall or powerful for their capabilities.
6. Ride in the company of others so you can assist each other in the event of trouble.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8. Take a hands-on riding course. Visit DirtBikeSchool.com.

The “Do the Ride Thing” Video Contest is sponsored by the ATV Safety Institute, the MSF DirtBike School and the Right Rider Access Fund.

The ATV 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 www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests and public information programs.

The Right Rider Access Fund is a charitable, community benefit organization created in 2011 to support off-highway vehicle enthusiasts directly by supplementing the work of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and in other ways.

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Sample Popular All-Terrain Vehicles in Seriously Fun Training Demonstration As ATV Safety Institute Launches First Annual National Safety Week

• Experience hands-on, nationally recognized ASI ATV RiderCourse^sm. ASI will supply an ATV and protective gear. Get a certificate.
• Conduct live or taped interviews with Paul Vitrano, ASI Executive Vice President, and Licensed ASI Instructors.
• Film the ASI RiderCourse. B-roll, photography also available.

October 5, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – ATV Safety Institute:

Why

We’re launching the first national Autumn ATV Safety Week as the late-year riding season gets underway, as hunting and fishing ramp up across the country, and as ATV sales traditionally rise at this time of year. Everyone’s first ride should be the ASI ATV RiderCourse, available at hundreds of locations throughout the United States. We want to reduce crashes and injuries resulting from improper ATV use.

When

• October 9. Two ASI RiderCourses scheduled: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• If you want to film/report and get trained and receive a certificate, please arrive by 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.
• If you want to film and report and/or experience some segments of a RiderCourse, please arrive anytime between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where

• Buck’s RiderCourse Ranch
• 688 Route 32, Sykesville, Maryland 21784

Note to Editors
The ATV RiderCourse, conducted in a controlled environment under the direct supervision of an ASI licensed instructor, will offer the opportunity to experience the basic riding skills learned in the course. 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 an ATV RiderCourse near you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

Contacts
ATV Safety Institute
Media Relations
(949) 727-3727, Ext. 3091
On-Site: Ty van Hooydonk (949) 300-0036

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Digital Buttons Help Spread the News About the “Do The Ride Thing” Video Contest

IRVINE, CA – June 5, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The ATV Safety Institute, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Dirt Bike School and the Right Rider Access Fund are providing online digital buttons to help spread the word about the “Do the Ride Thing” Video Contest. The contest, in its third year, runs June 1 to August 15, 2012 and offers 19 prizes totaling $8,500. Students ages six to 18 may enter. The winning videos will be used as public service announcements (PSAs).

The digital buttons come in both vertical and horizontal formats and are available at no charge to retailers, manufacturers, distributors, riding clubs, youth groups, media and others who want to help get the word out about the contest. They are designed to be posted on websites and link to the “Do the Ride Thing” contest website. The buttons can be downloaded here.

“We’d like to see everyone with a website and an interest in OHV activity help spread the word about this contest,” said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI. “What better way to motivate and inform people – especially kids and their parents – about the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes than to have kids create videos that highlight one or more of ASI’s Golden Rules or Dirt Bike Riding Tips? By harnessing the social networking power of YouTube, it gives kids the opportunity to ‘Do the Ride Thing’ and help other kids ride safe, ride smart.”

To enter, kids create a 15-, 30- or 60-second video/PSA, upload it to YouTube, and submit an entry form on the ASI website. For official video content requirements, contest rules and entry forms, visit atvsafety.org, dirtbikeschool.org, and/or riderfund.org.

There will be three winners in each of the three age categories: 6-10, 11-14, and 15-18 and in two product categories ATV and dirt bike. 1st Place winners earn $500, 2nd Place is $300, and 3rd Place is $200. Plus, all age and product categories are eligible to win the $2,500 Grand Prize. The 19 prizes total $8,500.

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.

Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests and public information programs. For safety information or to enroll in a dirt bike school go to dirtbikeschool.org.

The Right Rider Access Fund is a charitable, community benefit organization created in 2011 to support off-highway vehicle enthusiasts directly by supplementing the work of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and in other ways.

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ATV Safety Institute Reminds Enthusiasts to Ride Responsibly, Especially Over Busy Memorial Day Weekend

ASI Safety Courses are Fun, Convenient Ways to Brush Up on Safety Rules

IRVINE, CA – May 23, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The ATV Safety Institute (ASI), along with the major manufacturers and distributors of ATVs, encourage all ATV enthusiasts to ride safely and responsibly this upcoming holiday weekend, and any time they ride an ATV. More than 35 million riders will be operating approximately 10 million ATVs over Memorial Day Weekend in the United States, and they can minimize their risk while increasing their fun by taking the ASI’s hands-on ATV RiderCourse or interactive E-Course to better understand how to safely operate their ATVs.

“The ASI urges all ATV enthusiasts to enroll in an ATV RiderCourse,” said Gary Higgins, chairman of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). “Participating in the half-day, hands-on course really is the ideal way to kick off the summer riding season. Taking the course is free if you’ve purchased a new, qualifying ATV from an ASI member-company. And, most of the major ATV manufacturers offer incentives for completing the course in the form of cash or merchandise certificates worth up to $100. Really, taking the ATV RiderCourse is a win-win situation for everyone.”

To find an ATV RiderCourse near you and enroll, visit http://www.atvsafety.org. In addition to learning safe riding skills on the range, riders can also brush up on ATV safety principles online with the ATV E-Course. Three age-specific online courses are available: one for adults, another for teens, and one specifically aimed at children. All the courses include videos and interactive games to make them fun and effective learning experiences for every age group.

According to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors. As a result, the ASI strongly recommends that all ATV riders follow the warning labels on each vehicle. Finally, all ATV enthusiasts, no matter their age or experience level, can further minimize their risk by simply adhering to the ASI’s Eight Golden Rules of ATV Safety:

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 other 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 an ATV RiderCourse; call toll-free at (800) 887-2887 or go to www.atvsafety.org to register. Or take the online e-course at www.atvsafety.org.

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 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, KTM, 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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ATV Safety Institute Proclaims the Defeat of The Lead Ban

- Community Called on to Spread the Word, Use Banner Ads -

IRVINE, CA – August 24, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The ATV Safety Institute is launching a series of free online banner ads to help spread the word about the end of the lead ban and is calling on everyone in the powersports industry and safety community to post the good news.

Free Banners at http://www.atvsafety.org/leadbanisover_banners.cfm

“Now we’re asking the entire powersports community to let everyone know that youth-model ATVs and dirt bikes are again available for sale,” said Tim Buche, President and CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council. “So many riders, whether street, off-road, and even lots of racers, began as children, enjoying days in the dirt or desert on little ATVs and motorcycles with their families. And because of two years of passionate, hard work by the industry and enthusiasts everywhere, urging Congress to fix this terrible problem, we won’t have a lost generation of young riders.”

President Obama signed H.R. 2715 into law on Aug. 12, ending the unintentional ban on youth ATVs and off-highway motorcycles. The new law amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) to categorically exclude youth ATVs and dirt bikes from the lead content provisions.

“We’d like to see everyone with a website and a stake in the ATV business help deliver this good news,” said Paul Vitrano, general counsel of the MIC and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. “By placing one of these digital banners on your website you can be a significant part of a grassroots effort to tell everyone about this important victory.”

The banner ads come in a variety of sizes, with various messages, and are available free of charge to retailers, manufacturers, distributors, riding clubs, youth groups, media and others who want to help announce the defeat of the lead ban. The ads are designed to be posted on websites and link to the stopthebannow website, the ASI E-Course registration page, or other pages with information on youth-model ATVs and dirt bikes.

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, KTM, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, Tomberlin and Yamaha. Visit the SVIA online at www.svia.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

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ATVs and the Fourth of July Weekend

The ATV Safety Institute Wants You to Be Safe, Not a Statistic

IRVINE, CA – June 30, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -  The ATV Safety Institute wants every Fourth of July weekend ride to end with good memories and, to ensure that happens, enthusiasts need to abide by eight Golden Rules. The fact is that Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics show that 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities stem from dangerous behavior.

The ASI’s eight Golden Rules outline the right way to ride:

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. 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. Always 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.

Tragically, nearly 90 percent of youth ATV-related injuries happen when a child is on board an adult-sized ATV, instead of one of the many readily available youth models.

“The Fourth of July weekend should mark our nation’s founding and be a long weekend for Americans to enjoy themselves, not an anniversary forever remembered for a hospital visit,” said Tim Buche, president of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. “Riding ATVs can be just as much fun as anything you’ll do this weekend, as long as you make the right choices and stay safe. We’re also mindful that friends with ATVs might be getting together with friends who have never ridden, but this isn’t the time to jump on and just give it a try. The only first ride anyone should ever take is through the ASI’s ATV RiderCourse and there is no reason not to take it.”

The half-day, hands-on course is free for buyers of new ATVs from ASI member-companies. Most major manufacturers pay an incentive to take the course, in the form of cash or merchandise certificates valued at $100. To enroll in an ATV RiderCourseSM, visit http://www.atvsafety.org. The incentives are designed to encourage participation but the free training is a lifelong offer and available to all family members.

Besides practicing safe riding skills on an actual riding range, riders can virtually brush up on ATV safety principles with the ASI’s E-Course. 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.

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.

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ATV Safety Proponents Mark Enactment of “Chandler’s Law” in South Carolina; Important New Regulation Will Help Protect Children

COLUMBIA, SC – June 30, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The ATV safety community today marked the enactment of “Chandler’s Law,” which is aimed at protecting South Carolina’s young ATV riders through rider training, parental supervision, the use of proper safety gear, and prohibitions on children riding adult-sized models.

The event in the state capitol included South Carolina native Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Senator Brad Hutto of South Carolina, representatives from the ATV Safety Institute and Pam and Steve Saylor, whose son Chandler died in an ATV crash in 2003. Signed in May by Gov. Nikki Haley, the new law takes effect tomorrow.

“At the CPSC, we know that an experienced rider is often a safe rider,” Tenenbaum said. “This is why the new training requirements in Chandler’s Law – the training courses conducted by ASI – are so important.”

Chandler’s Law is based on Model State ATV Safety Legislation, created by the not-for-profit Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). This model legislation has been promoted and proposed to South Carolina and states throughout America by the SVIA for more than two decades.

“We truly hope that ATV enthusiasts throughout South Carolina, and even across the country, abide by Chandler’s Law, not only to honor his memory, but to dramatically increase their own safety,” said Pam Saylor. “It’s absolutely critical that ATV riders under 16 receive hands-on training by licensed trainers, ride the right size ATV and wear safety gear while operating these vehicles.”

The ATV Safety Institute (www.atvsafety.org), the not-for-profit training and education division of the SVIA, hosted a news briefing at the event, held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Licensed ASI instructors demonstrated important safety practices through abbreviated ASI RiderCourses, giving properly outfitted media and guests an actual hands-on experience.

Key among provisions contained in the SVIA’s model legislation is the call for proper training for all riders, which is readily available. The ASI provides free instruction for all purchasers of new ATVs, and the major ATV manufacturers provide an incentive, up to $100, for buyers to complete the half-day training course.

“Chandler’s Law is a major step in the right direction. It’s something to be celebrated and we extend sincere thanks to everyone involved in its enactment,” said Paul Vitrano, ASI executive vice president. “But there’s much more work to be done in South Carolina and all over America. ATVs are safe when used properly, but they are not toys. No responsible parent would hand the keys to the family car over to their child and send them on their way. Our ongoing mission is to see that ATVs are being used in the right way so families can have a safe and enjoyable experience.”

There are 635 ASI training sites nationwide and over 2,800 licensed instructors available to help riders learn how to safely operate their ATVs, whether they are purchased new or used. An online training course and much more safety information is available at www.atvsafety.org.

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®, sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, Tomberlin and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

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