{img1 align}Recent data released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveal that fatalities and injuries associated with all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use continue to decline in the US. According to the CPSC, total ATV-related injuries in 2008 decreased 10 percent from 2007, with injuries to children under 16 declining 6 percent.
This is the seventh straight year that injury risk for ATV riders has decreased, and it is now lower than at any time since CPSC began calculating this injury risk in 1985.
The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) currently urges ATV manufacturers and distributors to adhere to safety programs that ban the sale of inappropriate models to young riders. Under the legislation, all ATV manufacturers now must certify that their products conform to the mandatory standards, and file safety action plans with the CPSC.
"CPSC studies have found that approximately 90 percent of injuries to children under 16 occur on adult-sized ATVs," Paul Vitrano, SVIA executive vice president, said in a release. "We strongly encourage the CPSC and Congress to end the ban on the sale of youth model ATVs and motorcycles."
The SVIA also released a set of golden rules for all ATV enthusiasts:
This is the seventh straight year that injury risk for ATV riders has decreased, and it is now lower than at any time since CPSC began calculating this injury risk in 1985.
The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) currently urges ATV manufacturers and distributors to adhere to safety programs that ban the sale of inappropriate models to young riders. Under the legislation, all ATV manufacturers now must certify that their products conform to the mandatory standards, and file safety action plans with the CPSC.
"CPSC studies have found that approximately 90 percent of injuries to children under 16 occur on adult-sized ATVs," Paul Vitrano, SVIA executive vice president, said in a release. "We strongly encourage the CPSC and Congress to end the ban on the sale of youth model ATVs and motorcycles."
The SVIA also released a set of golden rules for all ATV enthusiasts:
- Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
- Never ride on public roads -- another vehicle could hit you.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
- 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 an ATV RiderCourse
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