EASI ATV SAFETY ALERT

Safety Alert from the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute: A Golden Rule for ATV Riders - Always Supervise Riders Younger Than 16.

All-Terrain Vehicles are not toys and the European ATV Safety Institute (EASI) would like to impress upon parents that they literally hold the key to their children's safety. Every ATV has an ignition key, and when parents control the key, they control the use.

Active and direct parental supervision is vital to a child's safety on an ATV. Children under the age of 16 need to be supervised at all times when riding, and parents should ensure that children in their care only ride an ATV that is specifically manufactured for their appropriate age group. Within the UK, ATV’s fall into three age group categories. Y6 – for use by children aged 6 to 11 years. Y12 - for use by children aged 12 to 16 years, and Y16 – for use by young people age over 16 years. Failure to comply with the above would breach The All-Terrain Motor Vehicles (Safety) Regulations No. 2288 (1989).

Safe the responsible ATV use means taking a "safety-first" approach to ATV riding at all times. It is important that parents set rules for ATV use and discuss them with their children. Parents should also consider contacting their children's friends' parents if they are unsure about whether or not an ATV may be present at a location or event their child is attending.

There is no sure way to predict whether a child will be able to ride an ATV safely, and not all children have the strength, skill or judgment needed to operate an ATV. The European ATV Safety Institute (EASI) offers a free booklet, "Parents, Youngsters, and All-Terrain Vehicles," that can assist parents in determining whether or not their child is ready to ride an ATV.

Research shows that nearly all ATV accidents are avoidable and result from riders and parents not following basic safety rules and procedures. The European ATV Safety Institute has TEN Golden Rules of ATV safety that apply to all riders:

1) Take an EASI ATV rider-training course.

2) Always wears an approved helmet and other protective gear.

3) Read your machines owners manual and familiarise yourself with the importance of all warning labels displayed on your ATV.

4) Avoid paved surfaces.

5) Never ride on public roads.

6) Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

7) Never carry a passenger.

8) Ride an ATV that's right for your age and experience. 

9) Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.

10) Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.

EASI
The European All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute® (EASI), a non-profit making organisation, was formed in 2002 to implement a national programme of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety education, training and awareness.

EASI’s primary goal is to promote the safe and responsible use of ATV’s, thereby reducing accidents and injuries that may result from improper ATV operation by the rider. 

For safety information or to enrol in an EASI ATV Rider Course visit www.quadsafety.org or call 01903 816286

Home  |  Blade 425