Tri-State Outdoor News

When it comes to off-roading, it can be fairly simple to develop an over-inflated opinion of our knowledge and skills when it comes to our riding techniques and practices. There are risks in being over confident as well as not having a clue and hitting the trail, which can rise up and hit back at any time.

There’s a lot more to think about than hitting the gas and hanging on. I know for myself, the times I have been injured while riding were purely because of misuse and poor judgement. I’m not saying you can’t have an accident riding exactly how you should, but most of the time, we cause our own problems by not paying attention. The real fact of the matter is that the sport we choose to participate in does pose a risk to our health and we need to realize that.

The statistics tell us that trips to the emergency room for ATV riders have tripled in the last 10 years and so have fatalities. What more startling is that 20% of those deaths were riders under the age of 16. The only thing about those stats is that there are more than 3 times the ATVs now than 10 years ago. No matter the percentage of ATVs vs. accidents. The reality is that ATV injuries and deaths have touched many members of our communities. We get very emotional dealing with the death of our children and paint the picture that the ATV itself is the one stealing our kids from us. We need to step up as parents and role models and lead by example. The days of complacency in regard to safety need to be a thing of the past. We have many different types of training now for ATV safety.

The first type of written safety material that comes with every new ATV purchase is a large section in your owner’s manual. Each manufacturer also provides a free DVD on basic and safe operation of your ATV. Another thing that comes with your new purchase is a free ATV Ridercourse put on by the ATV Safety Institute. Not only is the class offered for no charge but the manufacturers offer incentives up to $100 per person for completing the course.

This last weekend my son Zach and I participated in the class held in Washington Ind.. The instructor was a nice gentleman from Illinois by the name of Kevin Smith. In his opening comments he shared with us the reason that he had become an instructor. It was because of two ATV related deaths in his hometown, both youths. The course was held outside and was weighted towards skills more than bookwork. It was held to just under two hours with a wide range of subjects covered. It may have not taught you all you need to know but it is a good starting point. Even if you have been riding for years, it doesn’t hurt to hear it again. Who knows what you will pick up?

The real surprise to me was a new website sponsored by the Indiana DNR called “Today’s ORV Rider”. This site was featured in the January installment of the Tri State Outdoor News and if you have not had a chance to visit, it is well worth your time to do so. I cannot believe how much information that is packed into this site. It is divided into a course overview, 7 chapters including a review quiz at the end of each one. There is also a practice test you can take at no charge after completing the chapters. For $30.00 you can even take a certification exam to obtain an Indiana ORV Safety Certificate by scoring an 80% or above on the exam. The only kicker is if you fail the exam it was still $30.00. So feel free to take the practice test as many times as you want. I did take the practice test and only scored a 90%. The site is extremely well done and does a good job of holding your interest.

But the real lesson to learn here is more about exercising good judgement and using a little common sense. Drugs and alcohol don’t mix with the operation of any moving vehicle especially one in challenging terrain. The other thing to think about is how your actions are perceived by the people making the laws and granting access to riding areas. The dividends for policing ourselves will pay off down the road and get the sport out from under the microscope. So as the riding season gets started make it a goal for 2009 to have a safe and adventurous year.