The Clock is Ticking for Creative Kids to Enter the Still Time for Kids to Create Their Own Summer Blockbuster

IRVINE, Calif., July 25, 2013 – There are only three weeks left for kids to enter the “Do the Ride Thing” video contest. Kids have until August 15 to put together a video and help spread the important Ride Safe/Ride Smart message to other kids and compete for a $2,500 grand prize.

The contest is open to kids ages 6 to 18, and winning videos will be considered for use as an ATV Safety Institute or MSF Dirt Bike School public service announcement (PSA). All entries, 30 or 60 seconds in length, should be submitted via YouTube as video responses to the contest announcement video.

There will be three winners in each of the three age categories: 6-10, 11-14, and 15-18 and in two product categories: ATVs and dirt bikes. 1st Place winners earn $500, 2nd Place is $300, and 3rd Place is $200. Plus, all age and product categories are eligible to win the $2,500 Grand Prize. Official video content requirements, contest rules and entry forms are available at https://www.atvsafety.org/atv_psa_contest/.

“Summer isn’t over yet, so there is still time for kids to grab their video cameras and show how important it is to have fun and ride their ATVs or dirt bikes responsibly for the Do the Ride Thing video contest,” said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI. “As kids prepare to return to school in upcoming weeks, entering this contest is a great way to wrap up a fun-filled summer of riding.”

Each video submission should highlight at least one of the ATV Safety Institute’s eight Golden Rules of ATV safety or the MSF’s Dirt Bike Riding Tips which address warned-against behaviors and apply to all riders.

The ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules

1. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
2. Never ride on public roads — another vehicle could hit you.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle, nor more than an operator and passenger on an ATV designed for two persons.
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 an ATV RiderCourse℠; call toll-free at (800) 887-2887, or go to www.atvsafety.org to sign up or try the new free online e-course.

MSF Dirt Bike Riding Tips

1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
2. Except for dual-purpose models, never ride on paved surfaces except to cross when done safely and permitted by law – another vehicle could hit you. Dirt bikes are designed to be operated off-highway.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. Supervise riders younger than 16; dirt bikes are not toys.
5. Don’t let youngsters ride motorcycles that are too tall or powerful for their capabilities.
6. Ride in the company of others so you can assist each other in the event of trouble.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8. Take a hands-on riding course. Visit DirtBikeSchool.com.

Background

There are nearly ten million ATVs in use across the United States, being operated by more than 35 million Americans. Since many ATV owners share their ATVs, it is essential that both experienced and new riders understand the importance of safe and responsible use of ATVs.

This is especially crucial during the summer and holidays, when children have more free time to ride. 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 new ATV has an ignition key, and when a parent or guardian controls the key, they control the ATV’s use.

The “Do the Ride Thing” Contest is sponsored by the ATV Safety Institute, the Right Rider Access Fund and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Dirt Bike School.

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℠ nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.