According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 100,000 injuries from ATVs in 2012 and about 25% of those involved youth under 16 years of age; these were just the emergency department-treated injuries. On average 144 youth die from ATV accidents and 568 adults die from ATV accidents (2001-2008 averages). Riding an adult ATV is much different than a youth riding a bicycle. For comparison, a bicycle can weigh up to 30 pounds, is self-propelled and will go only as fast as a kid can pedal, whereas an adult ATV can weigh up to 600 pounds, is motorized and can go up to 65 mph.
For these reasons, the Nebraska 4-H ATV Safety Program, in collaboration with the American Safety Institute, offers age-specific free e-learning courses to address basic ATV safety principles. Adults, teens, and children will learn how to apply the “golden rules” of ATV riding in an interactive setting. The course includes videos, pictures, and interactive games to make it a fun and effective learning experience for all age groups. After taking the course, users can take an ATV Safety exam and receive a certificate of completion. The entire course takes approximately 2–2.5 hours to complete. You can stop at any point and your progress will be saved so that you can return and pick up right where you left off. It’s free, fun and a great learning experience for ATV riders of all ages. Sign up on the ATV Safety Institute’s website.
Nebraska Extension in Fillmore County is pleased to announce that we are teaming up with Fillmore County Farm Bureau to offer two sessions of a half-day, hands-on training for youth ages 8-18 in Geneva. If numbers warrant, two sessions will be offered on June 29th at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds. The first session will run from 9-Noon with an afternoon session from 1-4:00 p.m. Lunch will be served at noon for both sessions and ATV helmets will be provided through the generous support of Farm Bureau.
The ATV RiderCourse® is a fast-paced, half-day, hands-on training that is exciting and fun. Sessions include: pre-ride inspection, starting and stopping, quick turns, hill riding, and emergency stopping, swerving and riding over obstacles.
The training is conducted by certified RiderCourse® instructors. Whatever your experience, you will come away a better rider. Space is limited, so register by June 22nd by calling the Extension office at (402) 759-3712. A consent form must be completed, in addition to youth taking the course prior to June 29th.
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