ATV Fatalities & Injuries
Decline: CPSC Report
From a press release issued by the Specialty
Vehicle Institute of America...
IRVINE,CA (2/2/2010) - A report
released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission
("CPSC 2008 Annual Report of ATV Deaths and
Injuries") shows a continuation of the decline
in fatalities and injuries associated with all-terrain
vehicle (ATV) use. According to the CPSC, total
ATV-related injuries in 2008 decreased 10 percent
from 2007, with injuries to children under 16
declining six percent.
CPSC also reported that the risk of injury per
10,000 four-wheel ATVs in use declined by 15 percent
from 2007 to 2008. 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. Four-wheel
ATVs have become increasingly popular with an
increase of more than 300% since 1998 in the number
of vehicles in use to over 10 million.
"The CPSC report again shows that the commitment
of the member companies of the Specialty Vehicle
Institute of America (SVIA) to rider education,
parental supervision, and state legislation is
working," said Paul Vitrano, executive vice
president, SVIA. "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 standards
were made mandatory as a result of federal legislation.
The mandatory standards require 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 SVIA 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.
SVIA, however, remains concerned that the effective
ban on the sale of youth model ATVs resulting
from the lead content provisions contained in
the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act will
likely result in children under 12 years of age
riding the more accessible larger and faster adult-size
vehicles, creating - in the CPSC's own words -
a "more serious and immediate risk of injury
or death" than any risk from lead exposure.
"CPSC studies have found that approximately
90 percent of injuries to children under 16 occur
on adult-sized ATVs," said Vitrano. "We
strongly encourage the CPSC and Congress to end
the 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 Golden Rules:
1. Always wear a helmet and other protective
gear.
2. Never ride on public roads -- another vehicle
could hit you.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or
other drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
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 an ATV RiderCourse; call toll-free at
800.887.2887, or take the free E-Course at www.atvsafety.org.
The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America®
promotes the safe and responsible use of all-terrain
vehicles through rider training, public awareness
campaigns and state legislation. Additionally,
the SVIA works to preserve access to off-road
lands and expand riding opportunities. The SVIA
is a resource for ATV research, statistics and
vehicle standards. Accredited by the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI), the SVIA
develops standards for the equipment, configuration
and performance requirements of ATVs.
About the ATVA:
The ATVA, sister organization of the American
Motorcyclist Association, is the only national
organization devoted exclusively to fighting for
the rights of ATVers. More members mean more clout
to fight to protect your right to ride. To join
the ATVA, call (800) ATVA-JOIN, or go to www.ATVAonline.com.
|
Fighting
for your Rights
All Terrain Vehicle Association
P.O. Box 800
Pickerington, OH 43147-0800 |
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