As the state begins to get into the hunting season, the WVU Extension Service reminds parents and youth in the community to be aware and reinforce the importance of ATV safety.

There are more than seven million ATVs in use in the United States being operated by more than 16 million Americans. This makes it essential that riders and non-riders alike understand the importance of the safe and responsible use of ATVs. To date there have been a reported 22 deaths in West Virginia and 5 of these were under the age of 17.

“The ATV industry, WVU Extension Service and Mingo County 4-H urges all riders to follow the warning labels on the vehicle, and parents to supervise riders under the age of 16” said WVU Extension Agent Mike Whitt. “All riders should wear a helmet and other protective gear, not ride on paved roads, not ride under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, and not carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV.”

Hunting season marks a time when children and adults/parents enjoy the recreation of hunting and riding ATVs. Parental supervision is a key element to a child’s safety and children under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times when operating an ATV. Parents literally hold the key to their children’s safety. Every ATV has an ignition key, and when a parent or guardian controls the key, they control the use.

Nearly 90 percent of youth ATV-related injury incidents occur when a youth is operating an ATV manufactured and intended for use by an adult. Every child under the age of 16 should be actively supervised and never be allowed to ride an ATV that is not appropriate for their age.

Consumer Product Safety Commission data shows that 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned against behaviors. The ATV Safety Institute has eight Golden Rules of ATV safety that address these behaviors and apply to all riders:

• Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.

• Never ride on public roads – another vehicle could hit you.

• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

• Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.

• Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.

• Supervise riders younger that 16; ATVs are not toys.

• Ride only on designated trails, and at a safe speed.

• Take an ATV RiderCourse; Call Toll-Free at 800-887-2887, or go to www.atvsafety.org

The ATV Safety Institute encourages families to talk about the household rules for ATV riding so they may prepare for a safe hunting season. For more information about ATV Safety or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call 800-887-2887.

For more information you may also contact Mark Whitt at the WVU Extension Service/Mingo County Office at 304-235-0370.