American National Standards Institute Approves New Standard for Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 17, 20011 – The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) has published a new voluntary standard for recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), ANSI/ROHVA 1-2011. This standard for ROVs, approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), marks a significant milestone in ROHVA’s ongoing efforts to support product evolution to meet consumer expectations and to promote the safe and responsible use of the vehicles.

Just 16 months after setting the initial benchmark for vehicle design, configuration and performance, ROHVA completed the revision process which culminated in new and expanded requirements. The new standard includes occupant retention performance requirements, uniform labeling, increased static stability requirements, and the first-ever dynamic stability test for off-highway vehicles. Throughout the ANSI revision process, ROHVA continued efforts to solicit and exchange information and views with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and its staff .

ROHVA and its member companies to ROV safety and the needs of this rapidly evolving product category,” said Paul Vitrano, ROHVA executive vice president. “In addition, we are hopeful that CPSC and other stakeholders will partner with ROHVA to promote important safety initiatives, which are focused on changing behavior. CPSC data indicate that, if we can change certain behaviors, we will improve the safety of operators and passengers.”

ROHVA has implemented a comprehensive safety plan intended to address driver and passenger behavior – largely in violation of existing warnings – that have contributed to crashes resulting in avoidable injuries and fatalities. Since its inception, ROHVA has promoted Model State Legislation that would mandate compliance with the ROV Safety Rules. In 2010, ROHVA published a free, state-of-the-art on-line education program – the ROV E-Course – to reinforce critical safety messages. In early 2012, ROHVA will combine the ROV E-Course with Closed Range Exercises and publicly roll out the hands-on ROV Basic DriverCourse, designed to familiarize new drivers with basic dynamics and handling.

“The Safety Rules found at www.rohva.org are common-sense guidelines that everyone should review and follow whenever they drive an ROV,” Vitrano said. “Those seven rules are key to the safe enjoyment of these great vehicles.” Those rules are:

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 (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.