UMC's ATV Injury Prevention
UMC’s Level 1 Trauma Center Division of Injury Prevention knows how dangerous ATV-related injuries can be and because of that, has implemented an ATV Proper Riding Objective (PRO) program.
The ATV PRO program is in its third year thanks to a grant awarded from the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative in early 2022 for $15,211.
The program, led by UMC’s Trauma Grants Program Manager, Xochitl Gamboa, has provided free Department of Transportation (DOT) certified ATV helmets and safety gear to 17 course graduates ranging in age from 10 to 18.
In years past, UMC’s ATV Pro program provided group youth courses for students who did not own youth-sized ATVs, however this year, UMC produced an English and Spanish public service announcement (PSA) to reach more riders.
ATV Safety Institute’s 8 Golden Rules
- Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
- Never ride on paved roads. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV designed for two people.
- Ride an ATV that is right for your age.
- Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
- Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
- Take a hands-on ATV Riders Course and the free online E-Course.