ATV Manufacturers Urge Congress to Enact Important ATV Safety Legislation

SEE ALSO: ATV's Are Kid Killers

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22, 2005 -- Eight major manufacturers of all- terrain vehicles (ATVs) today urged Congress to approve as soon as possible ATV safety legislation (S.2069) introduced on November 18 by Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) and co-sponsored by Senators Mark Dayton (D-MN) and Mike DeWine (R-OH) that would require all ATV manufacturers to comply with basic vehicle safety standards and safety commitments regarding child operators, education, training, and marketing. Established ATV manufacturers in the U.S. have long promoted and implemented these voluntary safety provisions but most new market entrants are not in compliance.

The bill would prohibit a manufacturer from distributing any ATV unless it complies with applicable voluntary safety standards on the vehicle and the manufacturer filed a safety action plan to promote ATV safety that has been accepted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

"The safety of our customers is our number one concern," said Tom Tiller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris, speaking on behalf of ATV manufacturers, including AlphaSports, Arctic Cat, Bombardier, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha. "We want to ensure that any company selling an ATV in the United States -- regardless of where they are manufactured -- complies with established safety standards that help protect ATV enthusiasts and ensure quality products."

"We commend Senators Coleman, Dayton and DeWine for their leadership on this issue and urge Congress to pass this important safety legislation before the end of the year," added Christopher A. Twomey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arctic Cat.

Under a voluntary agreement with the CPSC, established manufacturers offer incentives to first-time ATV purchasers for taking a free hands-on training course; implement an extensive information and education safety campaign about risks of children under 16 operating or riding on adult-sized ATVs; adhere to minimum age requirements for youth and adult model ATVs; monitor dealers by independent organizations regarding these age-related sales policies; and use CPSC-approved warnings and instructions in labels on ATVs, in owners manuals, and in advertisements.

"Regulatory action by CPSC that might bring all ATVs distributed in the United States to this same level is being considered, but could take years to accomplish," concluded Tiller. "Senator Coleman's legislation would address this gap and provide all ATV buyers the same protections."