Good News! ATV-Related Fatalities, Injuries Declining
The message is getting through.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) 2016 Annual Report of ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries (issued January 2018) once again affirms the decade-long downward trend in fatalities and injuries related to ATVs.
For the period 2007 to 2013, CPSC reported ATV-related fatalities declined by 29 percent. The report states for the years 1999 and 2013 “there seems to be a large decrease in the percentage of victims younger than 16 years of age” involving ATV-related fatalities. For the 10-year period from 2007 through 2016, CPSC once again found a “statistically significant overall decreasing linear trend” in ATV-related injury estimates. The report found an “overall decrease of 33 percent between the estimated number of injuries in 2007 and 2016” for ATV-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments.
“Member companies of the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) continue to be encouraged by the downward fatality and injury trends related to ATVs, both for the general population and particularly for younger riders,” said ASI President Erik Pritchard. “Our industry takes the issue of safety very seriously, shown by our commitment to ATV safety training and education for riders of all ages.”
“The CPSC report showing an ongoing downward trend in ATV-related injuries and fatalities affirms the industry’s long-standing focus on safety, and ASI and our member companies will continue to actively promote and support rider education programs, raise awareness regarding the importance of parental supervision, and advocate for ATV safety legislation at the state level. We also appreciate the CPSC’s own efforts to support industry safety initiatives, including www.atvsafety.gov, which help increase awareness about ATV safety,” said Pritchard.
Federal law requires all ATV manufacturers and distributors, regardless of where the product is manufactured (imported or U.S.), to adhere to safety standards and training programs that were originally established and followed by the ASI member companies for the past 30 years. All ATV manufacturers must certify that their products conform to the mandatory standards, and file safety action plans with the CPSC. The industry’s voluntary ANSI/SVIA vehicle standard was made mandatory by the U.S. Congress in 2008.
The ATV industry is committed to the safety of its customers and will continue to promote and enhance its multi-tiered efforts to increase awareness of the proper operation and use of ATVs. ASI urges all ATV enthusiasts and their families to follow the ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules:
Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
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.
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people.
Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
Take a hands-on ATV RiderCourse and the free online E-Course. Visit 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 nearest you, visit atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.