Aug 13, 2008

All-terrain Vehicles Must Comply With Safety Standards

Congress has passed a provision requiring all companies that import or sell ATVs in the U.S. to comply with the same vehicle safety standards and to implement the same training and other safety initiatives that established ATV manufacturers have followed for years. The initiative followed the recent influx of all-terrain vehicles built in China that did not conform to industry safety standards.

The ATV provision creates a mandatory safety standard for ATVs. The provision was part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which is expected to be signed by President George Bush sometime this month. The Coalition for Safe and Responsible ATV Use -- composed of BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha -- applauded the congressional action.

“These standards and programs are vital to ensure the safety of American ATV riders,” said Coalition spokesperson Ed Krenik.

Working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and through the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA), established ATV manufacturers developed a voluntary standard for ATVs under the auspices of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and agreed to implement and follow “ATV Safety Action Plans” that were accepted by CPSC. The ANSI/SVIA standards and action plans address important safety issues, including appropriate configuration and performance aspects of ATVs, speed restrictions on youth ATVs, free hands-on training programs and promotion of helmets and other proper gear. The established manufacturers will also provide cash or product incentives for new ATV purchasers who complete the training course.

In recent years, nontraditional ATV companies, mostly from China, have entered the market in growing numbers. Many of these companies do not comply with the ANSI/SVIA standards and have refused to implement comprehensive safety action plans with the CPSC. Sales of these noncompliant ATVs are estimated to account for approximately one-third of the new sales market in the U.S. Moreover, these companies are marketing many of these products directly to those most vulnerable to safety risks -- those aged 16 and younger.

“Many nontraditional ATVs do not adhere to even minimal safety requirements, nor do the companies provide training or safety information,” said Krenik. “The poor quality of many of these ATVs creates a danger for all ATV riders, particularly young riders, who are being targeted by these companies.”

The ATV provision codifies the current voluntary standards and action plans. In effect, the bill creates immediate mandatory standards for all ATVs sold in the U.S., both imported and domestic.