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IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2013 – As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association reminds ROV owners that a good way to celebrate freedom is to do so responsibly. As many enthusiasts take extended weekends to explore America’s trails, deserts and public lands, ROHVA reminds you to drive safely and enhance your skills by taking the award-winning ROHVA E-Course and the new hands-on ROV Basic DriverCourseSM and Open Trail Experiences.

The free ROHVA E-Course is a multi-media, interactive safety course available at www.rohva.org. Safe practices are reinforced and the course examines improper ROV use to help drivers make the right choices while off-roading. The ROV Basic DriverCourse includes the E-Course and also incorporates two and one-half hours of closed-range driving exercises, utilizing both student participatory discussions and hands-on driving lessons. Many providers also offer up to seven Open Trail Experiences off the range to educate and challenge drivers of all experience levels. Visit www.rohva.org to find a provider near you.

“At ROHVA, our goal is to encourage the safe and responsible use of ROVs,” said ROHVA Executive Vice President Paul Vitrano. “One of the many ways we do that is to offer comprehensive instruction that reinforces good driving habits. By offering both hands-on and online training, ROHVA hopes to educate as many enthusiasts as possible so that, as they enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, they can drive safely, respect others, preserve the environment and make the right choices while having a good time.”

A recent study determined that 98 percent of ROV crashes involved at least one of the warned-against behaviors found in ROV operator manuals, with failure to fasten seatbelts or wear a helmet being the two most frequent bad behaviors. Additionally, 23 percent of crashes involved drivers under the recommended age. ROHVA recommends that anyone under the age of 16, or without a driver’s license, not operate an ROV. ROHVA also urges all ROV drivers to follow its seven common-sense guidelines to 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.
  8. Take a hands-on ROV Basic DriverCourseSM and the free online E-Course. Visit rohva.org or call 866.267.2751.

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, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Polaris and Yamaha. For more information visit www.rohva.org.