IRVINE, Calif., – With the busy summer riding season upon us, the ATV Safety Institute, the Right Rider Access Fund and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Dirt Bike School encourage kids to enter the “Do the Ride Thing Video Contest”. The contest, in its fifth year, runs June 1 to August 15, 2014 and offers 19 prizes totaling $8,500. Students ages 6 to 18 may enter. The winning videos will be used as public service announcements to highlight the importance of dirt bike and ATV safety.
“What better way to motivate and inform people – especially kids and their parents – about the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes, than to have kids create videos that highlight one or more of the ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules or Dirt Bike Riding Tips?” said Cam Arnold, vice president, ATV Safety Institute Rider Training. “By harnessing the social networking power of YouTube, it gives kids the opportunity to ‘Do the Ride Thing’ and help other kids ride safe and ride smart.”
To enter, kids create a 15-, 30- or 60-second video/PSA, upload it to YouTube, and submit an entry form found on the ASI website. For official video content requirements, contest rules and entry forms, visit atvsafety.org.
There will be three winners in each of the three age categories: 6-10, 11-14, and 15-18; and in two product categories: ATV and dirt bike. 1st Place winners earn $500, 2nd Place is $300, and 3rd Place is $200. Plus, all age and product categories are eligible to win the $2,500 Grand Prize. The 19 prizes total $8,500.
Background
Young riders, who often have more time to ride dirt bikes and ATVs in the summer, are especially vulnerable to certain types of crashes when not following proper safety rules. For example, nearly 90 percent of youth ATV-related injury incidents occur when a youth is operating an ATV manufactured and intended for use by an adult. Remember, parents literally hold the key to their children’s safety. Every new ATV has an ignition key, and when a parent or guardian controls the key, they control the ATV’s use.
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 other 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 an ATV RiderCourse; call toll-free at 800.887.2887, or go to atvsafety.org to sign up or try the new free online ATV E-Course.
MSF Dirt Bike Riding Tips
1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
2. Except for dual-purpose models, never ride on paved surfaces except to cross when done safely and permitted by law – another vehicle could hit you. Dirt bikes are designed to be operated off-highway.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. Supervise riders younger than 16; dirt bikes are not toys.
5. Don’t let youngsters ride motorcycles that are too tall or powerful for their capabilities.
6. Ride in the company of others so you can assist each other in the event of trouble.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8. Take a hands-on riding course. Visit DirtBikeSchool.com.
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 atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.