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ATV Safety Stressed

published: November 6th 2008
source: University of Arkansas Extension Service

LITTLE ROCK – With various hunting seasons upon us, ATV safety should be on the top of every hunter’s checklist. Arkansas averages more than 15 ATV-related deaths every year and has one of the nation’s highest rates of injury for youth ages 16 years and younger. Almost 90 percent of ATV crashes in the state occur with drivers under the age of 16 driving an adult-sized ATV.
                Even with these staggering statistics for injuries and death involving youth, ATV safety is relevant for riders of all ages, including adults. Serious injuries affect more than 100,000 people each
year in the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offersseveral tips for safe ATV riding. These tips include:

• ·          Always wear a properly-fitting helmet, riding gloves, long sleeves and pants
• ·          Never ride on public roads. Ride only on designated trails;
• ·          Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs;
• ·          Ride an ATV that’s the right size for your age; and,
• ·          Supervise riders younger than 16.

“Another important safety tip is to take an ATV RiderCourse,” says Mike Klumpp, associate professor of 4-H youth development for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “The 4-H office offers a half-day safety course in counties throughout the state.”
                Klumpp says the youth development office offers these safety courses through funding by the National 4-H Council, as part of the 4-H ATV Safety grant program.
                “We’ve trained 16 county extension agents and state faculty to become licensed instructors by the ATV Safety Institute, or ASI,” Klumpp says. “These instructors deliver the ASI ATV RiderCourse to
their communities.” The group’s goal is to train 500 youth and adults by the end of the year.
                The instructors provide educational components needed to develop critical-thinking and good decision-making skills to force change in ATV-related behaviors and for a reduction in ATV-related
injuries and deaths in the state. The four hour course is a fast-paced, hands-on training session that includes pre-ride inspection, starting and stopping, quick turns, hill riding, emergency stopping and swerving, and riding over the obstacles. The session concludes with a trail ride
putting into practice everything learned in the session.
                “Participants also learn about protective gear, local regulations, places to ride and environmental concerns,” Klumpp says.
    “The RiderCourse is a great way for youth and adults to a safe riding season.”
                The RiderCourse is valued by the ATV Safety Institute at $75 per person for youth six to 15 years of age and $125 per person for riders older than 15 years. The Cooperative Extension Service 4-H
ATV Safety Program currently doesn’t charge for this training, although a minimal user fee may be charged to cover expenses such as equipment and facility use.
                To find a RiderCourse in your county, visit www.uaex.edu ( http://www.uaex.edu/ ), or contact your county extension agent for a course in your area.