ATV Safety Institute Urges Riders to be Safe this Memorial Day Weekend

The ATV Safety Institute and the nation’s major manufacturers and distributors urge ATV riders across the country to be safe and responsible during Memorial Day weekend, when many will head out to the trails.

“Following ASI’s Golden Rules of ATV Safety every time you go riding is the best way to prevent injuries,” said ASI Vice President Tom Yager. “Dealers, enthusiasts and media nationwide can also do their part to promote ATV safety by embedding ASI’s Golden Rules graphics on their websites and sharing them on social media to increase awareness of how to be safe on an ATV.”

To learn about the hands-on training available through ASI, visit the video section of ATVSafety.org and select the video titled, “ATV Safety Institute ATV RiderCourse.” The ATV RiderCourse is free for anyone who has purchased a new, qualifying ATV from an ASI member company. Most major ATV manufacturers also offer incentives in the form of cash or gift cards for completing the course.

ASI also recommends that ATV riders take the free, interactive E-Course at atvsafety.org as a valuable online primer for new riders or a refresher for experienced enthusiasts.

“The E-Course is a great way to learn or refresh yourself on ATV safety,” Yager said. “Three age-specific online courses are available: one for adults, another for teens, and one for children.”

All ATV riders should follow the warning labels on each vehicle and abide by ASI’s Eight Golden Rules of ATV Safety in order to minimize their risk of injury:

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 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 a hands-on ATV RiderCourse and the free online E-Course.

For more info: atvsafety.org.

The boards of the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA), and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) voted unanimously to appoint Scott Schloegel as acting president and CEO of the associations. Diana Sanchez was appointed acting chief operating officer.

Schloegel and Sanchez, whose appointments are effective immediately, will also continue to serve in their current roles as senior vice president of government relations and vice president of operations respectively. The interim leadership was selected to ensure a seamless transition as the associations’ search committee continues to conduct a comprehensive review of the position of president and CEO, and a subsequent search to replace outgoing President and CEO Erik Pritchard.