Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association Continues to Encourage Responsible ROV Driving for Upcoming Three-Day Weekend

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 29, 2012 – With the Labor Day weekend approaching, ROV enthusiasts everywhere are gearing up to trade their other four-wheelers for their ROV of choice to take advantage of riding areas and trails over the three-day weekend. The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association reminds ROV enthusiasts that holidays like Labor Day are perfect opportunities to hone their safety skills and drive responsibly.

Sometimes referred to as side-by-sides or UTVs, ROVs are motorized off-highway vehicles designed to travel on four or more tires, with a steering wheel, non-straddle seating for a driver and one or more passengers, seat belts, and a roll over protective structure. ROHVA encourages operators and passengers alike to enjoy their ROVs while following its safety rules and environment preservation tips, which can be found online at rohva.org.

“This Labor Day holiday weekend, thousands of ROV enthusiasts will be taking advantage of the fun-filled off-highway trails and riding areas our country has to offer,” said ROHVA Executive Vice President Paul Vitrano. “ROHVA’s mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of ROVs, so we encourage ROV enthusiasts everywhere to polish their safety skills so they can drive safely, respect others, preserve the environment, and make the right choices while having a good time.”

ROHVA continually encourages safe and responsible driving practices throughout the year and encourages ROV enthusiasts of all skill levels to take the award-winning ROHVA E-Course and the new hands-on ROV Basic DriverCourseSM. The free ROV E-Course is a multi-media, interactive safety course that’s available 24/7 at 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.

Click this video for a preview of the DriverCourse:

A recent study determined that 98 percent of ROV crashes involved at least one of the behaviors warned against in ROV operator manuals, while 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-highway.

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.

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 to develop equipment, configuration and performance standards. Based in Irvine, Calif., the not-for-profit association is sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, John Deere, Kawasaki, Polaris and Yamaha. For more information visit www.rohva.org