ATV Safety Institute’s (ASI) safety tips

As part of the ATV Safety Institute’s (ASI) commitment to public outreach of important all-terrain vehicle safety messages, in 2002 ASI partnered with Video Placement Worldwide (VPW), a respected educational service company specializing in placing sponsored educational materials in America’s classrooms, to distribute ASI’s "Ride Safe, Ride Smart" video.

The "Ride Safe, Ride Smart" video features two families, each with a different motivation for using ATVs: one family uses them for recreation, the other for farming chores. Both sets of parents lead by example, emphasizing taking a safety-first attitude, riding an ATV that is right for your age, and respecting the environment.

The 9-minute video also demonstrates the importance of abiding by ASI’s Golden Rules:

1. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
2. Never ride on public roads — another vehicle could hit you.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
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 take the free E-Course at www.atvsafety.org.

ASI recognized that the right time to instill the message of responsible recreation among current and potential ATV riders was before they learned bad habits from siblings or friends. To that end, VPW created a placement strategy covering middle, junior, and high schools, with an emphasis on rural areas where ATV riding tends to be integral to family life.

Since January 2002, VPW has placed 10,500 copies of the video in 8,600 public and private schools, where it has been viewed by over 5 million students. ASI has renewed the partnership for calendar year 2010.