Annual ROV Association SxS Safety Guide
To a lot of riders, 4th of July weekend officially kicks off the summer riding season and thus is the ideal time to head out to the sand dunes or the trails to drive ROVs, also known as side-by-sides. The Recreational Off- Highway Vehicle Association and the nations major ROV manufacturers and distributors aim to prevent ROV-related crashes and injuries by encouraging operators to drive safely and responsibly. ROVs can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends, but its important to follow ROHVs Safety Rules every time you get into an ROV, said ROHVA President Tim Buche. Educating and training ROV drivers how to stay safe is an ongoing effort by ROHVA. Dealers, enthusiasts and media nationwide can help by putting the safety rules in front of drivers by embedding ROHVAs Safety Rules graphics on their websites and posting them on social media.
The ROHVs Safety Rules graphics can be downloaded from the library on rohva.org. ROV drivers are urged to practice safe driving to keep themselves and their passengers safe. The best way to stay safe is by following ROHVA’s Safety Rules demonstrated in this video ROV Safety Rules
Always fasten your seat belt, wear a helmet and other protective gear and keep all parts of your body inside the ROV.
Avoid paved surfaces. ROVs are designed to be operated off-highway.
Drive only in designated areas, at a safe speed, and use care when turning and crossing slopes.
Never drive or ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Never drive an ROV unless you’re 16 or older and have a valid 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.
Take a hands-on ROV Basic DriverCourse and the free online E-Course. Visit rohva.org or call 866.267.2751.
ROHVs ROV Basic DriverCourse allows drivers to get behind the wheel for approximately three hours to learn skills crucial for being safe in an ROV. A certified ROHVA DriverCoach guides students through hands-on driving exercises and encourages them to engage in group discussions between exercises. The course includes six closed- range exercises and up to seven optional open trail experiences, depending on the terrain available.
Completing the Basic DriverCourse is the best way to learn and improve your ROV driving skills, said Buche. In addition to the DriverCourse, the free, interactive E-Course at rohva.org is a great resource to use before heading out on Fourth of July weekend. The E-Course is ideal for first-time ROV drivers to learn proper safety precautions or for experienced drivers to refresh their skills and safe driving habits.
The two-hour E-Course is intended to improve awareness about ROVs and motivate a safety-minded approach to off-road recreation. Users can take the E-Course at their leisure. They have the ability to pause the course at any time, save their progress, and continue where they left off at a later time.