"Many families own one ATV for the entire family to use. The critical issue becomes the danger of youth riders mounted on ATV's that are the wrong size...to large for them.... without proper safety gear, helmets, gloves, boots, goggles." said Ms. Renee'.
ATV safety is a community wide issue that must be addressed in Baker County. Accidents resulting in serious injury and even death occur when vehicles are mis-used and riders are not properly mounted and protected during operation.
Ms. Renee' is looking for volunteers with an interest in ATV safety to help direct the 4-H ATV Safety initiative. Volunteers would attend the ATV Safety Instructor Course and offer the 4 hour ATV Safety course with an additional 2 hours of 4-H ATV Safety programming to round out the course as a 6 hour program. Volunteers are needed for instructing, fund raising and working out partnerships for loaner vehicles with which to mount youth attending the course on the correct sized machines.
For more information contact Ms. Renee at jrgore@ufl.edu or by phone 904-259-3520 at the University of Florida, IFAS, Extension offices.
And now celebrate things youth are doing good in ATV Safety. This link for you tube will take you to the public service announcement video winner this year. Take a look at the 60 second clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN-F35GKZrA&feature=related
and from the ATV Safety Institute, information about the PSA Video contest as copied below or go directly to the source at: .http://www.atvsafety.org/asi.cfm?pagename=Media%20Information&content=35D741F5-C291-4619-4DB66462F3220E71&referer=ASI%20Press%20Releases
Maybe you could be the video winner next year!
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 21, 2010 – Creative, cash winning kids from coast to coast are getting their videos on safe and responsible ATV riding posted online as public service announcements by the ATV Safety Institute.
An ASI judging panel selected the winners among dozens of entries from young enthusiasts nationwide, all aiming to highlight the association’s “Golden Rules” of ATV Safety.
Bobby Burns of Getzville, New York, won the grand prize of $2,500, while his younger brother Nathan won the $1,100 first place prize in the age 6-10 category.
“This is the first video contest I’ve ever won so it’s like crazy awesome!” said Bobby Burns, age 13. “I thought protective gear was the most important message to tell kids, and also to not drive on public roads.”
The ASI chose winners in three age categories, along with the grand prize winner, whose video can be viewed on YouTube here (http://tiny.cc/6etbl).
“ASI encourages all kids to follow the Golden Rules of ATV safety, but that message can have a much greater impact when spoken by another kid,” said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI. “The ‘Do The Ride Thing’ contest allows us to draw attention to safe ATV practices and teach young riders and their parents how important it is to always ride safe/ride smart.”
The ASI’s “Do the Ride Thing” Video Contest winners for the summer of 2010 are:
An ASI judging panel selected the winners among dozens of entries from young enthusiasts nationwide, all aiming to highlight the association’s “Golden Rules” of ATV Safety.
Bobby Burns of Getzville, New York, won the grand prize of $2,500, while his younger brother Nathan won the $1,100 first place prize in the age 6-10 category.
“This is the first video contest I’ve ever won so it’s like crazy awesome!” said Bobby Burns, age 13. “I thought protective gear was the most important message to tell kids, and also to not drive on public roads.”
The ASI chose winners in three age categories, along with the grand prize winner, whose video can be viewed on YouTube here (http://tiny.cc/6etbl).
“ASI encourages all kids to follow the Golden Rules of ATV safety, but that message can have a much greater impact when spoken by another kid,” said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI. “The ‘Do The Ride Thing’ contest allows us to draw attention to safe ATV practices and teach young riders and their parents how important it is to always ride safe/ride smart.”
The ASI’s “Do the Ride Thing” Video Contest winners for the summer of 2010 are:
Grand Prize- $2,500 Grand Prize Winner – Bobby Burns of Getzville, New York. See Bobby's video here.
Ages 6-10- $1,100 First Place Winner – Nathan Burns of Getzville, New York. See Nathan's video here.
Ages 11-14- $1,100 First Place Winner – Devin Williams and Hunter Tucker of Crossville, Alabama. See Devin & Hunter's video here.
- $800 Second Place Winner – Caleb McDowel of Marion, South Carolina.
- $800 Second Place Winner – Caleb McDowel of Marion, South Carolina.
Ages 15-18- $1,100 First Place Winner – Tori Winslow and Timmy Winslow of Elk Grove, California. See Tori & Tim's video here.
- $800 Second Place Winner – Michaela Jade Poore and Brett George of Crossville, Alabama.
- $600 Third Place Winner – Tiffany Bruce, Avery Ross and Jon Surrett of Crossville, Alabama.
- $800 Second Place Winner – Michaela Jade Poore and Brett George of Crossville, Alabama.
- $600 Third Place Winner – Tiffany Bruce, Avery Ross and Jon Surrett of Crossville, Alabama.
The ASI designed the contest (which ran from June 18 to Sept. 6) to inform and motivate kids and their parents on the responsible use of ATV riding while spreading the message to other young riders. Every entry took a unique approach to demonstrate safe riding practices, but each video highlighted one or more of the ASI Golden Rules to ATV Safety:
The ATV Safety Institute's Golden Rules
- Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
- 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.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV designed for two people.
- Ride an ATV that's right for your age.
- Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
- Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
- Take a hands-on ATV RiderCourse and the free online E-Course. VisitATVSafety.org or call 800.887.2887.
Background
There are nearly ten million ATVs in use across the United States, being operated by more than 35 million Americans. Many ATV owners share their ATVs so it is essential that riders and non-riders alike understand the importance of the safe and responsible use of ATVs.
Summer and holidays are a time when children have more free time to enjoy many activities, including riding ATVs. 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. Parental supervision is a key element to a child's safety and children under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times when operating an ATV. Parents literally hold the key to their children’s safety. Every ATV has an ignition key, and when a parent or guardian controls the key, they control the use.
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 RiderCourseSMnearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.
