ROV Dealers, Enthusiasts and Media Nationwide Can Encourage ROV Safety by Sharing ROHVA’s Safety Rules Graphics

IRVINE, Calif., July 2, 2014 – Fourth of July weekend: the ideal time to head out to the sand dunes or the trails to drive ROVs, also known as “side-by-sides.” The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and the nation’s major ROV manufacturers and distributors aim to prevent ROV-related crashes and injuries by encouraging operators to drive safely and responsibly.

“ROVs can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends, but it’s important to follow ROHVA’s Safety Rules every time you get into an ROV, and the Fourth of July is no different,” said ROHVA President Tim Buche. “Educating and training ROV drivers how to stay safe is an ongoing effort by ROHVA. Dealers, enthusiasts and media nationwide can help by putting the safety rules in front of drivers by embedding ROHVA’s Safety Rules graphics on their websites and posting them on social media.”

The ROHVA’s Safety Rules graphics can be downloaded from the library on rohva.org. Be sure to hyperlink the images to rohva.org when embedding them on websites.

ROV drivers are urged to practice safe driving to keep themselves and their passengers safe. The best way to stay safe is by following ROHVA’s Safety Rules demonstrated in this video.

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 DriverCourse and the free online E-Course. Visit rohva.org or call 866.267.2751.

ROHVA’s ROV Basic DriverCourse allows drivers to get behind the wheel for approximately three hours to learn skills crucial for being safe in an ROV. A certified ROHVA DriverCoach guides students through hands-on driving exercises and encourages them to engage in group discussions between exercises. The course includes six closed-range exercises and up to seven optional open trail experiences, depending on the terrain available.

“Completing the Basic DriverCourse is the best way to learn and improve your ROV driving skills,” said Buche. “In addition to the DriverCourse, the free, interactive E-Course at rohva.org is a great resource to use before heading out on Fourth of July weekend. The E-Course is ideal for first-time ROV drivers to learn proper safety precautions or for experienced drivers to refresh their skills and safe driving habits.”

The two-hour E-Course is intended to improve awareness about ROVs and motivate a safety-minded approach to off-road recreation. Users can take the E-Course at their leisure. They have the ability to pause the course at any time, save their progress, and continue where they left off at a later time.

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 rohva.org.