IRVINE, CALIF., October 13, 2021 — Cooler autumn months are a big draw for enthusiasts, hunters, campers, and other adventurists to enjoy their ATVs, dirt bikes, and side-by-sides. National off-highway vehicle organizations, together with California State Parks and Tread Lightly!, are encouraging every rider and driver to “Know Before You Go” with tips to help keep everyone, and the environment, safe. And if you are in California, free hands-on classes are being offered.

During Off-Road Safety Week, October 16-24, remember to “Know Before You Go.”

• Gear: Know what type of gear is required for your type of recreation to prevent injury. Always wear protective gear, including a safe, well-fitting helmet, proper eye protection, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and over the ankle boots.
• Location: Check ahead for open trails. Plan a route and get to know what type of terrain you may encounter. Vehicular recreation areas have diverse geology, so learn about the various trail experience levels before you head out to avoid emergencies. Tell someone at home or at camp where you are going and when you plan to return. Have that person notify law enforcement if you do not return on time.
• Supplies: Know what you need to have for a successful ride. Be prepared with a first-aid kit, extra water and food, maps, a tool kit, and extra fuel.
• Safety: Before you ride or drive, look over your vehicle to ensure tires are inflated properly and all other controls and lights are operating properly. Never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ride only on designated routes and trails and at a safe speed. Remember that wildlife have the right-of-way. If you haven’t ridden or driven in a while, consider brushing up by taking a safety course.

“Off-Road Safety Week is a great opportunity for new riders and drivers to learn how to safely and responsibly use their off-road vehicles, and for current users to refresh their skills,” said Jun Villegas, field operations manager, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. “In California, free classes are being offered through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s DirtBike School, the ATV Safety Institute, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association. We are also proud to work with Tread Lightly! to extend the reach of our safety messages to all OHV users.”

California riders and drivers interested in taking a free class can check availability and enroll at https://outdoorrecreationfoundation.org/. Riders and drivers elsewhere can sign up for online eCourses and hands-on classes at atvsafety.org, dirtbikeschool.org, and rohva.org. Costs vary by location.

“We encourage all riders and drivers to learn safety basics and be prepared for anything,” said Matt Caldwell, Tread Lightly! executive director. “Thank you to all the organizations that are helping to promote safe, responsible off-roading to protect our riders and public lands.”

Additional off-road safety tips can be downloaded for free here:
Tips & Practice Guide for the All-Terrain Vehicle Rider
Tips & Practice Guide for the Off-Highway Motorcyclist
Driving Tips for ROVs

The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America
The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) through rider training, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation. Additionally, SVIA works to preserve access to off-road riding areas and expand riding opportunities. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), SVIA develops standards for the equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ATVs. Based in Irvine, Calif., SVIA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; BRP, Inc.; CFMOTO Powersports, Inc.; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; KYMCO USA, Inc.; Polaris Inc.; Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.. Visit SVIA online at svia.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse nearest you, visit atvsafety.org, or call (800) 887-2887.

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association
The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting the safe and responsible use of ROVs (also called side-by-sides or UTVs). Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ROHVA develops standards for the equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ROVs. Based in Irvine, Calif., ROHVA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; BRP, Inc.; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Mahindra Vehicle Sales and Services, Inc.; Polaris Inc.; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. For more information visit rohva.org.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973. MSF is a not-for-profit organization endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; BMW Motorrad USA; BRP, Inc.; Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.; Indian Motorcycle; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; KTM North America, Inc.; Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.; Triumph Motorcycles America; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. For safety information or to enroll in an MSF Basic RiderCourse near you, or to learn more about the many other MSF course offerings, visit MSF-USA.org or call (800) 446-9227. Follow @msf__usa to keep up with the MSF on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Tread Lightly!
Tread Lightly! is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible recreation through stewardship programs and ethics education. Tread Lightly!’s educational message, along with its unique training and restoration initiatives are strategically designed to instill an ethic of responsibility in outdoor enthusiasts and the industries that serve them. The program is long-term in scope with a goal to balance the needs of the people who enjoy outdoor recreation with our need to maintain a healthy environment. Tread Lightly!’s award-winning materials, programs and services are solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing recreation issues. Individuals and businesses can commit to Tread Lightly! and protect outdoor access by becoming a member at www.treadlightly.org.