I have a hard time believing that my truck is less safe that my ATV, but I think I'm getting it figured out. The Heiden study says that I am about three times more likely to be killed in my truck than on my ATV. OK. But that just indicates I have more exposure in my truck since I spend more time driving it than I do riding my ATV.

A major point of the Heiden study is that the number of ATV accidents is trending slightly downward as the number of ATV's increase. It's a good point to present to a public safety commission that's considering excessively restrictive ATV regulations.

But, it shouldn't lull ATV riders into a false sense of security. We're safer if we ride our machines like they are the most dangerous things on four wheels.

 

also helping in Minnesota with a DNR safety program ,not up to ASI's standards but it is a start .

 

my favorite trail in NC has gravestones marking all the dead,,,,some date to the days the dirtbike was invented

it sure makes a fella slow down in those dangerous corners to observe all the names


unfortunately some people have trouble with self preservation

 

My only complaint with the ASI training is that it is tied to the CPSC guidelines with regard to age versus motor size. My complaint, and of others as well, has always been the CPSC guidelines that were created way back in time are a little long in the tooth so to speak. There is a need for a re-evaluation on the size versus age issue. Case in point. Our kids are "Bigger" that they were back when. That means that an 11 year old today, is probably larger than a 12 or 13 year old when the CPSC first published it's guide. If you look at my 11 year old, who is 5'6", and pushing 140.. and place him on a 50, which is all he can legally ride according to them, I would be putting him in danger because sitting on that little machine would put his knees above his hips. Both uncomfortable, and risky if he needed to jump off, etc. The industry, has NOT kep pace with building a slightly larger framed machine. I have no isse with engine size, only that the small engines only come on the micro machines and they are not big enough for him. Hence, I bought him a Raptor 80 that better fits his body size. He is too big for that too, but I do not want to go overboard with motor.
The ASI trainer will not train him because of the age versus Engine size. SO, I have a Raptor 80 that is 4 years old, that I have not run a full tank of gas through because of the catch 22 situatuation. July 2n'd this year, and we will be legal, and on our way to hatfield McCoy for a legal ride. I refuse to have him lie about his age... as that would not be teaching him what I want him to learn about honesty etc....

There really needs to be a review of the guidelines. I heard there was one in teh works, but I haven't heard anything about that in some time.

 

Draggingbutt I agree my kids were they same way .the Issue has been brought up to the higher ups in ASI and they are looking at ways to be able to train the younger people that are way bigger then the machines they are supposed to ride .

we have not got any new direction on the issue ,,

wish they would adopt Minnesotas guiedline of : the rider must be able to reach all controls from strait line riding to turning the handle bars and feet should be flat on the floor boards or pegs ..

In other wise they fit the machine and are able to operate all the levers .

 

Ditto

My 11 yr old sister is to big for the desert cat 90..........I watch her play basketball and even though she is about over 5' and 120#'s, she is dwarfed by some of the other girl basketball players. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

Amen.

 

HAVE TO RESEPCT THE MACHINES AS THEY ARE NOT A TOY, sorry for that but true ,

 

Now if we could just do something about the stupid parents. Last weekend, a local parent in Charles county Maryland put his 2 year old on an ATV and turned them loose. The funeral is later this week. Article didn't say what size it was.. it did say the kid had a helmet... but DUH, what the heck were they thinking?

Minimum age is 6 years old folks... Local news in DC did a great job of saying that they need to be six, and then put some "EXPERT" on that wants to limit riding to 16 and above. They also go into the "we called the manufacturer, but did not get a response etc..".

Well, folks, you can't blame the ATV. If it were not for the fact that the parents have enough to deal with this week burying their child, I'd lock them up for child abuse, child endangerment etc. That is just plain irresponsible.

STUPID kills. Unfortunately the child could not comprehend that mommy and daddy would NEVER put them in danger, or do anything that would hurt them right?

I don't know if I want to be mad, or just sit down and cry. Somebody has to do it for the child. Somebody has to stop this. I love ATV's.. they are what keeps me living, and getting up in the morning. I go to bed thinking about them, I read ATV magazines when I am in the bathroom doing my daily... Heck I wear jerseys like t-shirts... But I'd get rid of all of them today if I could just get that one kid back..... Just one.. .I am not greedy. Why does God let stupid people breed? I don't get it.

 

Well if we didn't protect stupid people ,there'd be less of them ,Darwinism.

WHY DO PEOPLE THINK ATV'S ARE A BABYSITTING TOY ????????????