Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/485263
ATV/UTV Industry remains committed to national safety and training programs ATV-related injuries have declined signifi- cantly from 2007 through 2013, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis- sion (CPSC). The CPSC 2013 Annual Report of ATV Deaths and Injuries, released in March, reports: "When considering the entire seven years together (2007-13), CPSC staff found a statistically significant decreasing linear trend [for ATV-related injuries]." The report also found that estimated ATV- related fatalities have declined each year from 2007-13, but noted that data collection for 2010-13 is ongoing. In its latest report, CPSC has again con- firmed (as it did in its 2011 and 2012 Annual Reports) that the decline in injuries "reflects a change in the trend direction for ATV-related injury estimates" and that for the years 2007- 13 "the number of injuries per year has gone through a statistically significant decline." The report also found injuries involving children younger than 16 has declined 37.5 percent from 2007-13. In its previous annual reports, CPSC had reported an 11-year consecutive decline in the risk of injury. It is highly likely that, if CPSC had continued these studies, it would again have found a decrease in the risk of injury given the other information contained in the report. The 2012 CPSC report shows the risk of injury per 10,000 four-wheel ATVs in use had declined by more than 50 percent between 2007 and 2012, which was lower than at any time since CPSC began calculating injury risk in 1985. However, CPSC declined to report on this statistic citing a lack of recent exposure studies. "Member companies of the ATV Safety Institute are committed to continuing to work to further reduce ATV-related fatalities and injuries through rider education programs, raising awareness regarding the importance of parental supervision and continuing to advocate for ATV safety state legislation," said ASI president and chief executive officer Tim Buche. "Since 1984, the major manufacturers and distributors of ATVs in the United States have worked closely with the CPSC to imple- ment ongoing safety initiatives. We appreciate the CPSC's cooperation in these safety efforts, including the agency's creation of the www. atvsafety.gov website that helps increase aware- ness about ATV safety." Initially in 2008 and most recently in 2011, the industry's voluntary ANSI/SVIA vehicle standard was made mandatory. Federal leg- islation requires all ATV manufacturers and distributors, regardless of where the prod- uct is manufactured (imported or U.S.), to adhere to the same safety standards and train- ing programs established and followed by the ASI member companies for more than two decades. PSB CPSC: ATV-related deaths continue to decline 32 • April 6, 2015 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Newly released data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that ATV-related deaths and injuries continued to decline through 2013. ATV Safety Institute's Golden Rules 1. Always wear a DOT-compliant hel- met, 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 pas- senger 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 RiderCourse and the free online E-Course. Visit atvsafety.org or call 800/887-2887.