Safe Riding Tips from the ATV Safety Institute for this Holiday Weekend

Parents: Control the Key, Control the Use
IRVINE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
As the nation prepares to enjoy the Labor Day holiday weekend, the All-Terrain
Vehicle Safety Institute, along with the major manufacturers and distributors of
ATVs in the United States, would like to reinforce the importance of safe and
responsible use of ATVs this weekend.

There are nearly nine million ATVs in use across the United States, being
operated by more than 25 million Americans. This makes it essential that riders
and non-riders alike understand the importance of the safe and responsible use
of ATVs.

"The Labor Day weekend, for many, is the heart of the riding season," said Paul
Vitrano, executive vice president of the ATV Safety Institute. "Millions of
Americans will enjoy this holiday weekend from behind the handlebars of an ATV."

"The ATV industry urges all riders to follow the warning labels on the vehicle,
and parents to supervise riders under the age of 16," said Vitrano. "All riders
should wear a helmet and other protective gear, not ride on paved roads, not
ride under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, and not carry a passenger
on a single-rider ATV."

Summer holidays mark 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.

Consumer Product Safety Commission data show that 92 percent of all ATV-related
fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors. The ATV Safety Institute
has eight Golden Rules of ATV safety that address these behaviors and apply to
all riders:

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 RiderCourseSM; Call toll-free at 800.887.2887, or go to
www.atvsafety.org to sign up or try the new free online e-course.

The ATV Safety Institute encourages families to talk about the household rules
for ATV riding so they may prepare for a safe, fun summer.

The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America® promotes the safe and responsible
use of all-terrain vehicles through rider training, public awareness campaigns
and state legislation. Additionally, the SVIA works to preserve access to
off-road lands and expand riding opportunities. The SVIA is a resource for ATV
research, statistics and vehicle standards. Accredited by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI), the SVIA develops standards for the equipment,
configuration and performance requirements of ATVs.

Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is a not-for-profit industry association
sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki,
Tomberlin, Tomoto and Yamaha. Visit the SVIA online at www.svia.org. For safety
information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit
www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

ATV Safety Institute
Media Relations, 949-727-3727 x3091

Copyright Business Wire 2009