Think Safety First When Using Your UTV or ATV

(Undated) — Warmer weather means an increase in the use of UTVs and ATVs, and authorities are reminding the public to stay safe. UTV and ATV manufacturer Polaris reminds riders and operators that safety should always be the highest priority. They say much of the potential danger of riding can be mitigated by undertaking proper safety training, making sure your off-road vehicle is in good working order, and taking the appropriate safety precautions, including wearing a helmet. They say even if you’re belted in within the cab of an enclosed side-by-side, a crash, collision, or rollover can still result in a head injury, especially if riders aren’t wearing helmets. To learn more ways to stay safe visit atvsafety.org. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reminds the public that the dangers of riding “off-highway vehicles” such as UTVs and ATVs are real and include overturning, collisions, and occupant ejection. CPSC’s latest data show an annual average of more than 800 deaths and an estimated 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries involving OHVs.