Neighbors Newspaper November 2010

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dren riding ATVs on public lands were implemented nearly 3 years ago, it is now becoming easier to comply with them while at the Imperial Sand Dune Recreation Area (ISDRA) because of the availability of ATV safety training. And, not a moment too soon! As the

opposition pushes to ban ATV use by children under the age of 16, statis- tics fuel their effort. By following the law and instilling good judgment upon our children, we can reduce accidents that sometimes lead to hospital visits. These preventable emergency room visits become statistics used to moti-

NEWSPAPER

NOVEMBER 2010

ATV TRAINING FOR KIDS: A CLASS THAT PAYS FOR ITSELF Since new laws regarding chil-

vate the ban of kids ATV use! Parental control and supervision

is a vital part of safe child ATV riding. As parents, we literally hold the key to our childrens safety. Every ATV has an ignition key, and when we control the key, we control the use. As a par- ent or adult supervisor, child ATV rid- ers are under our care and control. Children look to parents and adults to keep them safe, dont let them down. We are the key to every ride beginning and ending safely, without injury.

BE LEGAL! California State Law requires that

Parents or Guardians maintain an ac- tive role in a childs ATV use. Children under the age of 16 must

be actively supervised at all times when riding an ATV. A parent or guard- ian must allow continued use only if you determine that your child has the ability and judgment to operate the ATV safely. No person under the age of 14

shall operate an ATV on public lands located in California unless that per- son holds an appropriate safety certifi- cate and, in addition, is accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian who is also certi- fied.

Anyone operating an off-highway

vehicle must be able to reach and op- erate all controls necessary to safely operate the vehicle. No person under the age of 18

shall operate an ATV on public lands located in California unless he/she has received the safety certification in

this state, or another state, or is under the direct supervision of an adult who has the appropriate safety certifica- tion in his/her possession. Presently, law enforcement offi-

cers are issuing citations under CVC Section 38504.1 and a judge can or- der a fine for the adult who fails to provide supervision. After a horrible accident, it is possible for the state to consider a parent to be liable for a childs ATV accident if they have ne- glected to comply with the Law.

BE SAFE! While we have all heard that ATVs

are not one-size-fits-all, consider for a moment the ramifications of sending your 12 year old out for a ride on your new 450cc quad. The ATV Safety In- stitute reports that approximately 90 percent of youth ATV-related injuries occur when a child under the age of 16 is operating an adult-sized ATV. Follow the manufacturer’s recom- mended age limitations for every ATV.

GET CERTIFIED! To help all of us ride smart by fol-

lowing the law, ATV Safety Training is available at the Imperial Sand Dunes! A total of 19 ATV Safety Training Classes will be held by the American Desert Foundation (ADF) in the North Dunes, South Dunes and Supersti- tion Mountain locations throughout the 2010-2011 riding season. The hands-on, half-day ATV Rider Course is conducted by licensed ATV Safety Institute Instructors. It offers students an opportunity to increase their safe- ty knowledge and to practice basic riding skills in a controlled environ- ment under the direct supervision of a licensed instructor. ASA Volunteer Mike Reber recently attended one of the courses and said, Last Winter, I took my six year-old son to a class and in just a few hours, he earned his certification. The Glamis location couldnt be more convenient for our family! ATV manufacturers and the State of California ensure all children under 18 can take this training with- out a fee, parents and the rest of the family may qualify for free training, as well. For more information, visit http:// www.americandesertfoundation.org. By setting a good example, parents and adults can help keep children safe on ATVs and reduce the statis- tics used against off-road enthusiasts by opponents of this type of outdoor family recreation.

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