ATV Safety Institute Hosting ATV Rider Training Events for Media in North Carolina

IRVINE, Calif.--Oct. 18, 2005--On Aug. 18, 2005, North Carolina Gov. Michael F. Easley signed the landmark ATV safety bill, SB 189, which was sponsored by Senator William R. Purcell. This new law takes effect on Dec. 1, 2005.

In light of this landmark event, the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute(R) will be hosting a series of media events throughout North Carolina the week of Nov. 7-11, 2005 to provide information and hands-on training to interested members of the media.

During this time the ATV Safety Institute will be hosting:

Training: An abbreviated ATV RiderCourse to any interested member of the media. The ATV RiderCourse offers an opportunity to increase safety knowledge and to practice basic riding skills in a controlled environment under the direct supervision of a licensed instructor. This is the training that ATV riders will complete to meet the requirements of the new law. ATVs and protective gear will be provided for interested participants.

Media Briefing: An overview of ATV uses, the industry, and current safety issues. Industry representatives will be on hand to answer questions.

Support Tools: An opportunity to obtain B-roll and still photography illustrating the safe and responsible use of ATVs.

Please contact the ATV Safety Institute at (949) 727-3727, ext. 3091 or e-mail the media relations department at mediarelations@svia.org for more information or to sign up for training. A response is requested by Oct. 2, 20057, 2005.

The ATV Safety Institute's primary goal is to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs, thereby reducing crashes and injuries that may result from improper operation by the rider. More information can be found on its website, www.atvsafety.org.

With approximately 6.9 million ATVs in use in the United States being operated by more than 15 million Americans, it is important that everyone understand the importance of safe and responsible use of ATVs.

About ASI

The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute, a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America(R), was formed in 1988 to implement an expanded national program of all-terrain vehicle safety education and awareness. The ASI's primary goal is to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs, thereby reducing accidents and injuries that may result from improper ATV operation by the rider. 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.