Calling All Creative Kids to Enter the "Do the Ride Thing" Video Contest Sponsored by ATV Safety Institute -- $10,000 in Prizes!

IRVINE, CA--June 1, 2011: With the busy summer riding season upon us, the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) encourages kids to enter the “Do the Ride Thing” Video Contest (click here to see a video about the contest). Sponsored by the ASI, the contest, in its second year, runs June 1 to September 6, 2011 and offers 10 prizes totaling $10,000. Students ages six to 18 may enter. The winning 30- and 60-second videos will be used as public service announcements (PSAs) by the ATV Safety Institute.

“What better way to motivate and inform people -- especially kids and their parents -- about the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles than to have kids create videos that highlight one or more of the ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules?”

“What better way to motivate and inform people -- especially kids and their parents -- about the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles than to have kids create videos that highlight one or more of the ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules?” said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI. “By harnessing the social networking power of YouTube, it gives kids the opportunity to ‘Do the Ride Thing’ and help other kids ride safe/ride smart.”

To enter, kids create a 30- or 60-second video/PSA, upload it to YouTube, and submit an entry form on the ASI website. For official video content requirements, contest rules and entry forms, visitATV Safety Contest .

There will be three winners in each of the three age categories: 6-10, 11-14, and 15-18. 1^st Place winners earn $1,100, 2^nd Place is $800, and 3^rd Place is $600. Plus, all age categories are eligible to win the $2,500 Grand Prize. The ten prizes total $10,000.

Background

There are nearly ten million ATVs in use across the United States, being operated by more than 35 million Americans. Many ATV owners share their ATVs so it is essential that riders and non-riders alike understand the importance of the safe and responsible use of ATVs.

Summer and holidays are a time when children have more free time to enjoy many activities, including riding ATVs. 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. 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.

Consumer Product Safety Commission data show 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.

The ATV Safety Institute's Golden Rules

1.		Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
2.		Never ride on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted by law - another vehicle could hit you. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway.
3.		Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
4.		Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people.
5.		Ride an ATV that's right for your age.
6.		Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
7.		Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8.		Take a hands-on ATV RiderCourseSM and the free online E-Course. Visit ATV Safety or call 800.887.2887.

The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute^® develops rider training programs and promotes the safe and responsible use of ATVs. The ASI works to reduce crashes and injuries resulting from improper ATV use. Formed in 1988, the ASI is a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America^®. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse^SM nearest you, visit ATV Safety or call (800) 887-2887.