ROHVA Reminds ROV Enthusiasts to be Safe

IRVINE, Calif., May 23, 2012 – As the upcoming Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) encourages all ROV enthusiasts to drive safely and responsibly, while having fun exploring trails, deserts and public lands across the country. Additionally, ROHVA recommends minimizing the risk while simultaneously increasing the fun by taking their award-winning ROV E-Course.

The online training is a free, multi-media, interactive safety course that’s available 24/7 at www.rohva.org. The course addresses the risks caused by improper ROV use and reinforces safe practices that will reduce the chance of injury. The E-Course offers tips that help drivers better understand how to safely operate their ROVs.

“ROVs represent a hugely popular segment of the off-road vehicle market,” said ROHVA President Tim Buche. “They’re a fun way for families and friends to experience the great outdoors, particularly on a long holiday weekend. However, before you head out, take the free ROV E-Course and learn the right way to use these great vehicles.”

ROHVA provides ROV enthusiasts with valuable safety education, tips and resources that are available online at www.rohva.org. Additionally, ROHVA 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.

A recent study determined that 98 percent of ROV crashes involved at least one of the warned-against behaviors found 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, should not operate an ROV.

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) 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.