Memorial Day ATV Riding and Safety Tips

The ATV Safety Institute Offers up Some Tips to Make Your Weekend Memorable

Depending on whom you ask, the first day of summer can be defined by the calendar (June 21st), the weather (a few weeks ago), or for the ATV enthusiast, Memorial Day Weekend marks the transition from spring to full on summer. From twisting trails, MX tracks, desert dunes, and everything in between, millions of Americans will celebrate the upcoming Memorial Day weekend by swinging a leg over their ATVs. This phenomenon is further cemented by the fact that Memorial Day Weekend represents the opening of a majority of the top ATV riding destinations in the country for the season.

With more than 35 million riders operating over 10 million ATVs across the U.S. alone, understanding the importance of safe and responsible riding techniques is essential. Both riders and non-riders can benefit from knowing the fundamentals to keep themselves, their friends and their families as safe as possible.

“Memorial Day weekend has traditionally been the start of the summer riding season for many,” said Paul Vitrano, Executive Vice President of the ATV Safety Institute. “As a majority of enthusiasts may not have ridden their ATVs since the previous riding season, it’s an important time to brush up on safety suggestions. With our tips and practice guide, available at http://www.atvsafety.org/InfoSheets/ATV_Riding_Tips.pdf, hands-on ATV RiderCourseSM and online E-Course, there are many easy ways to learn about safe riding.”

The ATV Safety Institute urges all riders to follow the warning labels on each vehicle, never ride on public roads or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and not carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV. Of course, riders should always wear a helmet and other protective gear. Young riders, who often have more time to ride in the summer due to free time away from school, are especially vulnerable to certain types of crashes when not following proper safety rules.

Nearly 90 percent of youth ATV-related injuries occur when a youth is operating an adult-sized ATV. Parents should supervise children under the age of 16 at all times while they operate an ATV, and manage when the vehicle can be used by removing the ignition key. By controlling the means to start the ATV, parents are literally holding the key to their child’s safety. Consumer Product Safety Commission data show that 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors.

The ATV Safety Institute has eight Golden Rules of ATV safety that address these behaviors and apply to all riders:

1. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.

2. Never ride on public roads – another vehicle could hit you.

3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.

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 RiderCourseSM; 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 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 summer.

Be safe, smart, and have a great long-weekend!