Summer is a great time to gas up and hit the ATV trails. This month, the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) rolled out its ATV Safety Week, June 3-12. For the initiative, the organization joined partners throughout the country to offer free ATV RiderCourse training and other safety education opportunities.
According to Consumer Product Safety Commission data, 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors, such as youth riding on adult-sized ATVs. During ATV Safety Week, riders can learn about the proper operation of their machine, helmets and other proper protective gear, and ways to dramatically reduce risk.
The RiderCourse is free for ATV enthusiasts age 6 or older that sign up during ATV Safety Week. The training is free year-round for anyone who has purchased a new, qualifying ATV from an ATV Safety Institute member company. To enroll, call (800) 887-2887 or visit ATVSafety.org.
ASI also offers free E-Courses for adults, teens and children, which is always available online. Students in the online course learn how to apply the organization’s Golden Rules of ATV riding through video, pictures and interactive games. Once finished, participants can take an ATV safety exam and receive a certificate of completion.
ASI or the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute® (ASI®), is a non-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America® (SVIA®) formed in 1988 to implement an expanded national program of (ATV) safety education and awareness. The organization’s primary goal is to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs in an effort to reduce related accidents and injuries.
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 other 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.
Along with sound safety rules in play, you’ll also want to make sure you’ve got the right coverage to protect you and your ride, in case the unexpected occurs. There are steps you can take to save on ATV insurance rates.
First and foremost, be safe. Putting safety first can help to lower your rates or make you eligible for discounts. You can also combine policies or get a custom policy that fits your usage. Outlining where you will ride may save you money – for example, a less crowed area may help lead to savings. Got questions? Our experienced staff is here to help. Contact Johnson & Associates Inc. today for help crafting your ATV coverage, (336) 226-8595.