This holiday weekend, thousands of recreational off-highway vehicle enthusiasts will explore trails, deserts and public lands across the country and ROHVA is calling on all drivers to be safe and responsible while having fun.
“Over the next three days, thousands of enthusiasts will be enjoying their freedom to explore our country’s dunes and trails behind the wheel of an ROV,” said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president of the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association. “With that freedom comes responsibility, to drive safely and take the best possible care of family, friends and the land itself. From vital safety tips to ways to preserve the environment, you can find out what you need to know by visiting us online at www.rohva.org.”
A recent study of ROV crashes revealed at least one behavior warned against in operator manuals was present in 98 percent of crashes. These warned-against behaviors include doing stunts, riding at excessive speeds, riding on paved roads, using alcohol or drugs while driving, improper seating of passengers, failing to wear a helmet and failing to wear a seat belt.
The study also found that 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 urges ROV enthusiasts to follow the ROV Safety Rules to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and everyone else.
Sometimes referred to as side-by-sides or utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), ROVs are motorized off-road 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.
ROHVA
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, Polaris and Yamaha. For more information visit www.rohva.org.