E-Course Allows ROV Drivers to Learn Concepts to Drive Safely

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 25, 2013 – Many people will head out to the dunes and trails to enjoy their ROVs, also known as side-by-sides, on Thanksgiving weekend, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and the nation’s major manufacturers and distributors aim to reduce ROV-related injuries by encouraging operators to drive safely and responsibly.

“ROVs are becoming increasingly popular across the country,” said ROHVA President Tim Buche. “We want everyone to stay safe while driving an ROV, and following ROHVA’s safety rules will help to minimize risks.”

ROHVA urges all ROV drivers to help ensure their own safety and that of passengers by following ROHVA’s 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.orgor call 866.267.2751.

ROHVA advocates that ROV drivers take the free, interactive online E-Course at www.rohva.org before Thanksgiving weekend, either for the first time to learn proper safety precautions, or to freshen up on safe ROV driving habits. The two-hour safety course is intended to improve awareness about ROVs and inspire a safety-minded approach to off-road recreation.

“The E-Course enables ROV drivers to learn, or review, safety practices,” said ROHVA Executive Vice President Paul Vitrano. “While taking the hands-on Basic DriverCourse is the best way to learn and improve driving skills, the E-Course provides a great starting point.”

After the E-Course, ROHVA’s hands-on ROV Basic DriverCourse gets drivers behind the wheel, with the help of a certified ROHVA DriverCoach. The partial-day program has approximately three hours of driving time that includes discussions between exercises. The course includes six closed range exercises and up to seven optional open trail experiences, depending on available terrain.

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 www.rohva.org.