ATV SAFETY

1. ATV SAFETY Brent Loeffler Georgia Sheriffs’ Association

2. ATV SAFETY Read and Understand Your Owners Manual !!

3. Does This Look Familiar ??

4. Consent Decree of 1988 • In 1988, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) entered into a 10 year agreement with ATV Manufacturers. • The agreement stopped production of the 3-wheel ATV • Funded $100 million to expand safety programs

5. Consent Decree of 1988 • The most important outcome of the move was the shift from making 3-wheel ATVs to the 4-wheel type • Manufactures repurchased any unsold 3-wheeled models and trade in 3-wheeled types with 4-wheel types

6. Consent Decree of 1988 • The Decree expired in 1998, however the major manufacturers decided to continue to stress the important of safety. • Despite the 1988 decree, accidents and injuries were continuing to rise at an alarming rate

7. In 2006, there were over 6.2 million ATVs in the U.S. being operated by more than 15 million users • Youth represent more than 35% of all ATV deaths and are 16 times more likely to suffer a serious injury • According the CPSC, risks of being killed in an ATV crash are 20 times greater than any other vehicle

8. What About In Georgia • A Georgia Legislative Report published by the “House All Terrain Vehicle Safety Study Committee” in December of 2005 found between 1982 and 2003, there were 177 fatalities in Georgia involving ATVs, One-third of the deaths were children

9. What About In Georgia • Reported Deaths between 1982 and 2008 involving children under 16 90 • 1982 to 2008 Total Deaths 269 • 1982 to 2004 Total Deaths 225 • 2005 to 2008 Total Deaths 44 • This is why the ATV safety training is important starting at an early age

10. ATV SAFETY • One of the most common mistakes about ATV’s is not sizing the vehicle properly • Not all youngsters have the strength, skills, or judgment needed to operate an ATV • SUPERVISION IS CRITICAL

11. Rider Age & Engine Size 6 yrs and older Under 70 cc

12. Rider Age & Engine Size 12 yrs and older 70 – 90cc

13. Rider Age & Engine Size 16 yrs and older Over 90 cc

14. ATV Safety Crisis Many ATVs are capable of reaching speeds close to 90 mph. Some ATVs can weigh as much as 700 pounds. More that 111,000 Americans are injured, maimed or killed every year in ATV accidents. Many of these victims are under 16 years of age.

15. ATV Safety Crisis States regulate the automobile industry HOWEVER, there are very few regulations on ATVs States set rules as to who may legally operate a motor vehicle HOWEVER, there are very few regulations on who may operate an ATV.

16. Recommendations for Use • Take an approved training course such as the ATV Rider Course presented by the AST Safety Institute • Know your ATV – Learn all of the controls and their function • Riding a properly sized ATV in a safe manner in areas appropriate for ATV use

17. Recommendations for Use • Be courteous to other riders and persons and be respectful of any rules and laws, property, wildlife and environmental impacts • DO NOT ride under the influence

18. Recommendations for Use • Always ride within your skill level • Always perform a pre-ride inspection • Wear proper attire • Ride with a group or at least make sure someone knows where you are • Never carry passengers on an ATV not designed to accommodate passengers

19. Protective Gear • Footwear • Over the ankle boots • Low heals to prevent feet from slipping • Off highway style offers the best protection

20. Protective Gear • Helmets • The most important piece of equipment • Snug fit and securely fastened • Select an approved helmet • DOT (Department of Transportation) • ANSI z90.1 (American National Standards Institute)

21. Protective Gear • Eye Protection • You must be able to see clearly to ride safely • Free from scratches • Made from hard-coated polycarbonate or better • Fastened securely • Well ventilated • Regular sun glasses DO NOT provide proper protection

22. Protective Gear • Long Sleeved Shirt or Jacket • Long sleeves protect the upper body from limbs, and other flying debris which could distract the operator

23. Prepare for Emergencies • Carry the basics such as • First Aid Kit • Water • Food • ATV repair kit • Rope • Items made essential by climate or season of the year

24. Environmental Impact • Damage to ground cover, plants, streams and sensitive areas • Loss of riding privileges in areas severely impacted by ATV use • Damage to trails and riding areas that occur from use during unfavorable conditions and the costs for repairs and/or stabilization

25. Hazards of Riding an ATV • Some ATV’s can go as fast as some common automobiles and can weigh as much as one-half ton • As ATV speeds and weights increase, so do the likelihood of injury or death resulting from an accident

26. Georgia Law • Definition of an All-Terrain Vehicle • OCGA 40-1-1 G (3) • “All terrain vehicle means any motorized vehicle designed for off-road use which is equipped with three or more low pressure tires and with a seat to be straddled by the operator and with handlebars for steering control.”

27. Georgia Law • The ATV industry defines an ATV as any motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four low-pressure tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control • Single rider ATV’s are intended for use by single operator and NO passengers • Two-up ATVs are designed for an operator and one passenger or more

28. Georgia Law • OCGA 40-7-3 defines an “off-road vehicle” to mean any motorized vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain and not intended for use predominantly on public roads……

29. Current Legal Requirements The only legal requirement governing ATV operation in Georgia are that they are equipped with brakes and mufflers. Operators do not ride on private property without the permission of the property owner.

37. Questions