New Consumer Product Safety Commission Report Shows Decline in ATV Injuries Involving Youth Under Age 16.

ATV Industry Continues to Support State Legislation, Rider Training/Education, and Parental Supervision as Keys to Further Improving ATV Safety

IRVINE, Calif. -- A report released today by the Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC 2005 Annual Report of ATV Deaths and Injuries") shows that the number of estimated all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries involving children under 16 fell 10% between 2004 and 2005, and has fallen from 37% of all ATV-related injuries in 1998 to 30% in 2005.

The report also shows that the estimated injuries per 10,000 ATVs declined for the fourth year in a row and is now at its lowest point since 1998. These declines have occurred even while the number of four-wheel ATVs in use increased by 700,000 units between 2004 and 2005. The four-wheel ATV injury rate declined 9% over the same time period.

Further, the report indicates that the risk of fatality per 10,000 ATVs has declined from 1.4 per 10,000 in use in 1999 to 1.1 per 10,000 in use in 2005.

Since 1998, the number of ATVs in use has more than doubled. Yet, for the eight-year time period since the CPSC's new injury sample and methodology has been in place, there has been no appreciable upward trend in injury risk and, as noted, the injury risk has declined since 2001 and is now at its lowest point since 1998.

"The CPSC report again shows that the commitment of the member companies of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America to rider education, parental supervision, and state legislation is working and has resulted in a continued decline in injury and fatality rates over the past several years," said Tim Buche, president of the SVIA. "Since 1984, the major manufacturers and distributors of ATVs in the United States have worked closely with the CPSC to implement ongoing safety initiatives. The industry applauds CPSC's recent public education efforts to promote safe and responsible ATV use, and has supported the agency in these efforts."

Buche added that the industry is also cooperating closely with the CPSC on the agency's review of ATV safety standards. He said the ATV industry is committed to the safety of its customers and will continue to promote and enhance its multi-tiered efforts aimed at increasing awareness of the proper operation and use of ATVs.

"However, we remain concerned that new entrants to the U.S. market that don't comply with the voluntary safety standards that established ATV companies adhere to are jeopardizing the safety of young riders," he continued. "These new entrants now comprise 20 percent of the market and are undercutting the safety programs developed by established ATV companies. SVIA encourages CPSC to analyze the new entrants' compliance with safety standards as part of the agency's review of ATV standards.

"We want to ensure that the injury trend continues in this direction - down - so it's more important than ever to get the word out that kids don't belong on adult-sized ATVs, and that all riders need to follow the industry's recommended guidelines for safe and responsible riding. The bottom line is, even one crash or injury is one too many," said Buche.

Millions of Americans operate ATVs safely and responsibly every day. Unfortunately, more than 92% of ATV-related fatalities involve one or more behaviors that the industry strongly and visibly warns against in its rider education programs, in all its literature, and on the vehicle itself. The industry's top priority is to continue to work with the CPSC, user groups, retail dealerships, and all others interested in promoting ATV safety to further reduce the number of accidents resulting from misuse of the product.

SVIA

Since 1983, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America([R]) (SVIA) has promoted the safe and responsible use of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) through rider training programs, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation. The SVIA also serves as a resource for ATV research, statistics, and vehicle standards. The SVIA, based in Irvine, California, is a not-for-profit trade association sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Bush Hog, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki, Tomberlin and Yamaha. For membership information, call 949.727.3727; for safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse(SM) nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org and click on "Online Enrollment" or call 800.887.2887.