Known safety practices, training and supervision help keep children safe when using ATVs (all-terrain vehicles).
Summer holidays are a great time for children to be active and enjoy the outdoors. In regional and rural areas, this can mean riding an age appropriate ATV.
"As the holidays begin, I encourage all ATV users, especially parents and children, to follow known safety practices when using ATVs. This includes wearing a helmet and protective equipment, riding the correct sized ATV, not carrying more than the approved number of passengers, and not using an ATV on terrain or in applications for which it is not suited," Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Chief Executive Tony Weber said.
"The FCAI also stresses that children under the age of 16 must only ride specifically designed and labelled age appropriate ATVs and never be allowed to ride adult sized ATVs. Parents should always supervise young riders and ensure they only ride in areas suitable to their vehicle and skills.
“Users should also be conscious that many ATVs are single rider only vehicles. Carrying passengers, particularly children, even for a short distance can be dangerous.”
Mr Weber also called on parents buying children ATVs for Christmas to ensure vehicles meet the strict American National Standards Institute (ANSI/SVIA) standards for ATVs, which have been adopted by FCAI members.
"Before using a new ATV, parents and children should take time to understand the vehicle by reading the safety manual and watching the safety video provided with the ATV," Mr Weber said.
“Parents and children should also undertake training.”
For more information on ATV safety, visit www.atvsafety.com.au
For more information, contact:
Sheena Ireland, Communications Manager
02 6229 8221 / 0458 038 555
[email protected]