ATVA: RIDER TRAINING KEY TO PREVENT ATV INJURIES

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) told a federal panel on June 5 that safety training is a vital part of preventing ATV-related injuries.

The two organizations were among 37 groups and individuals who testified before the Consumer Product Safety Commission on ATV safety during a public hearing held at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va. The hearing could be the first step toward more federal regulation of ATVs.

Opponents of ATVs told the commissioners that strict regulations need to be imposed on ATVs and ATV users. Some even suggested children under 16 should be banned from riding ATVs altogether, or that ATVs should be equipped with rollbars, seat belts and speed governors.

But the ATVA and AMA argued that that instead of further regulation, the CPSC should support increased training opportunities for ATV riders to educate them about proper riding gear, teach them safe riding techniques, and improve their riding skills.

Among others who joined the ATVA and AMA in support of increased ATV training opportunities were the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, the BlueRibbon Coalition, the ATV Safety Institute, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, the National 4-H Council, and various individuals.