Consumer Product Safety
Commission Report's Decline in ATV Related Deaths
and Injuries
Irvine, CA (12/22/2010) - All-terrain
vehicle injuries involving youth under age 16
have declined a statistically significant 14 percent
according to a report released today by the Consumer
Product Safety Commission (“CPSC 2009 Annual
Report of ATV Deaths and Injuries”). According
to the CPSC, total ATV-related injuries in 2009
decreased 2.4 percent from 2008. The report also
estimates the third consecutive decline in the
total number of deaths in the three years 2006
through 2008 (2009 data collection is ongoing),
a 16% decrease over that period.
The CPSC also reported that the risk of injury
per 10,000 four-wheel ATVs in use declined by
five percent from 2008 to 2009. This is the eighth
straight year that injury risk for ATV riders
has decreased – a downward trend that the
CPSC also describes as statistically significant
– and it is now lower than at any time since
CPSC began calculating this injury risk in 1985.
Four-wheel ATVs have become increasingly popular
with the number of vehicles in use more than tripling
since 1998 to over 10.5 million.
“The commitment of the member companies
of the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) to rider education,
parental supervision, and state legislation is
reflected in the continued decline of ATV injuries
and fatalities as reported by the CPSC,”
said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI.
“Since 1984, the major manufacturers and
distributors of ATVs in the United States have
worked closely with the CPSC to implement ongoing
safety initiatives.”
In 2009, the industry’s voluntary ANSI/SVIA
standard was made mandatory as a result of federal
legislation. The legislation requires all ATV
manufacturers and distributors, regardless of
where the product is manufactured (imported or
U.S.), to adhere to the same safety standards
and training programs established and followed
by the ASI member companies for more than two
decades. This includes newer companies in the
U.S. market that had previously elected not to
participate in safety programs developed by established
manufacturers and in some cases targeted inappropriate
models to youth 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 youth under 16 occur
on adult-sized ATVs,” said Vitrano. “We
will be redoubling our efforts in the new Congress
to enact legislation as soon as possible to end
the effective ban on the sale of youth model ATVs
and motorcycles.”
The ATV industry is committed to the safety of
its customers and will continue to promote and
enhance its multi-tiered efforts to increase awareness
of the proper operation and use of ATVs. Unfortunately,
more than 92% of ATV-related fatalities involve
one or more behaviors that the industry strongly
and visibly warns against in its rider education
programs, in all its literature, and on the vehicles
themselves.
To that end we urge all ATV enthusiasts and their
families to follow the ATV Safety Institute’s
Golden Rules:
1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles,
long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots,
and gloves.
2. 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.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider
ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV
specifically designed for two people.
5. Ride an ATV that's right for your age.
6. Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are
not toys.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe
speed.
8. Take a hands-on ATV RiderCourseSM; and the
free online E-Course. Visit atvsafety.org
or call 800.887.2887.
About the ATV Safety
Institute
The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute®
develops rider training programs and promotes
the safe and responsible use of ATVs. The ASI
works to reduce crashes and injuries resulting
from improper ATV use. Formed in 1988, the ASI
is a not-for-profit division of the Specialty
Vehicle Institute of America®. For safety
information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourseSM
nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org
or call (800) 887-2887.
ATV
Safety Institute
800.887.2887
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