IRVINE, Calif., November 09, 2011 – ROV enthusiasts are sure to be out in force enjoying this three-day Veterans Day Weekend, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association wants to remind everyone to stay safe while they’re having fun.

According to a recent study, dangerous behavior – behavior that is clearly discouraged in operator manuals – was a factor in 98 percent of ROV crashes. Stunting, driving too fast, driving on paved roads, using alcohol or drugs, improper seating of passengers, and refusal to wear helmets and use seat belts were among key reason for unnecessary injuries. Age was another factor. Some 23 percent of the crashes involved children, and the ROHVA says that no one under 16 or without a driver’s license should drive an ROV.

“The popularity of ROVs is on the rise because they’re an exciting way to enjoy off-roading,” said Paul Vitrano, ROHVA executive vice president. “But it’s critical that enthusiasts stay safe by driving responsibly.” Important safety tips and the right way to treat the environment can be found online at www.rohva.org. ROHVA wants enthusiasts to follow its important ROV Safety Rules and help ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and everyone else off-road.

ROV Safety Rules:

1. Always fasten your seat belt, wear a helmet and other protective gear and keep all parts of your body inside the ROV.
2. Avoid paved surfaces. ROVs are designed to be operated off-highway.
3. Drive only in designated areas, at a safe speed, and use care when turning and crossing slopes.
4. Never drive or ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
5. Never drive an ROV unless you’re 16 or older and have a valid driver’s license. ROVs are not toys.
6. Never carry more passengers than the ROV is designed for, and never allow a passenger who is too small to sit in a passenger seat to ride in the ROV.
7. Read and follow the operator’s manual and warning labels.

Visitors to www.rohva.org can take ROHVA’s award-winning ROV E-Course. The online training is a free, multi-media, interactive safety course that addresses the risks when driving an ROV and reinforces safe practices that will reduce the chance of injury.

Sometimes referred to as side-by-sides or utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), ROVs are motorized off-highway vehicles designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, with a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, seat belts, an occupant-protective structure, and engine displacement up to 1,000cc. Current models are designed with seats for a driver and one or more passengers. ROVs are used for a variety of outdoor recreational activities as well as many work applications.

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is a national industry organization that promotes the safe and responsible use of ROVs. ROHVA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop equipment, configuration and performance standards. Based in Irvine, Calif., the not-for-profit association is sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Kawasaki, Polaris and Yamaha. For more information visit www.rohva.org.