Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council

Less likely to be injured riding an ATV than riding a bicycle

You’re less likely to be injured riding an ATV than riding a bicycle, playing baseball, basketball or football, says U.S. study The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) quietly released a study in the fall of 2002 that shows, on a per capita basis,ATV-related injuries were lower than most other recreational activities. The injury statistics were gathered through the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which compiles statistics from a sampling of 99 hospitals, including children’s hospitals.

The statistics revealed the estimated rate of product-use related injuries was 201.0 for bicycles and accessories, and 73.9 for ATVs (all figures are per 100,000 population in the U.S. and territories). Other recreational activities had the following rates – baseball, softball 106.9; football 147.3; and basketball 232.3.

The statistics refute many false perceptions regarding ATV rider safety. Although the figures may surprise some, many people who ride and use ATVs regularly agree the study confirms their experience.

The ATV industry points to the extensive ongoing promotion of rider safety as an important factor for improving user safety. The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV) is a national not-for-profit trade association and has played a leading role in promoting the safe and responsible use of ATVs across Canada.

“Our goal is to promote safe and responsible ATV use and the CPSC report encourages us to continue our efforts” says Robert Ramsay, President of the COHV. “We want every ATV rider, every time they are on the trail, to have an enjoyable and safe experience.”

The Canada Safety Council, a national non-government not-for-profit public service organization, also plays an important role in improving rider safety. It administers ATV Rider Safety Training courses operated by certified instructors across Canada.

The courses are based on field-tested techniques regarding operating controls, reading terrain and analyzing risk, turning, ascending and descending hills, avoiding obstacles and stopping at slow and higher speeds. A separate course is also available for children under 14 whose parents permit them to ride an ATV. The COHV and the Canada Safety Council also promote a code of behaviour for ATV riders. This includes:

Get qualified training
Know your owner’s manual
Always wear your helmet
Ride off-road only, never on public roads
Carry no passengers on an ATV designed for one person
Always supervise youngsters
Ride straight – no alcohol or drugs
Lend your ATV to skilled riders only
Ride within your skills
Check the ATV before you ride
Protect your eyes and body
Ride with others – never alone
Respect riding area rules
Keep noise levels low
Preserve the environment
Be courteous to all you meet

For additional information on ATV rider safety, please visit the web site at: www.COHV.ca