Mar. 10, 2008 – ATV Digest

CPSC Releases Report on ATV-Related Deaths, Injuries

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a study this month it commissioned to take a closer look at ATV-related injuries and deaths.
The Annual Report of ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries, which includes information current as of Dec. 31, 2006, found that 555 people died in 2006 in ATV-related incidents.
The number was slightly less than the 666 who died in 2005. West Virginia reported the greatest number of ATV deaths, with 173 from 2003-2006.
In 2006, the CPSC estimated 146,600 were injured in ATV-related incidents. Of those, about 25 percent (39,300) were under age 16.
The full report can be downloaded from the CPSC’s Web site, www.cpsc.gov.

Agri-Fab Names New National Sales Manager

Agri-Fab announced that Roger Johnson will join the company as national sales manager for its North American Consumer Products.
According to a company press release, Johnson will be responsible for identifying and pursuing strategic growth opportunities for Agri-Fab’s North American Consumer business, which includes the Agri-Fab and LawnCrafter brands.
Johnson joins Agri-Fab from Kimberly Clark Corp., where he held sales and marketing management positions for its North American consumer brands.
“Roger brings leadership experience that will be invaluable in helping our multifunctional teams drive our North American consumer business to the next level of performance,” said Michael Cohan, president of Agri-Fab.
Established in 1975, Agri-Fab employs more than 400 people and distributes products through both dealers and retailers across the world.

Polaris Recalls 95,000 Sportsman, Scrambler ATVs

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris Industries has voluntarily recalled 95,000 ATVs, the CPSC reported Feb. 14.
The 95,000 ATVs include 45,000 the company recalled in June 2005.
The machines can have defective Electronic Control Modules that overheat, which can pose a fire and burn hazard to riders.
Since the original recall was announced in June 2005, Polaris has received 372 additional reports of smoking and/or melted Electronic Control Modules on the recalled ATVs, along with 20 reports of fires, nine of which involved property damage that occurred beyond the ATV. No injuries have been reported.
This recall involves select 2005 through 2006 model Polaris Sportsman and Scrambler 500 ATVs. The model and serial numbers are printed on a decal attached to the front side of the radiator for Sportsman models, and on the top of the front cab cover for the Scrambler 500.
Serial numbers are permanently stamped into the left frame rail, which is located behind the left front wheel. Polaris says the recalled models are listed on the CPSC’s Web site, www.cpsc.gov.
ATVs involved in the recall were sold at Polaris dealerships nationwide from July 2004-January 2008 for $3,800-$7,900.

Cycle Country Revenue Grows In Its First Quarter

Cycle Country Accessories Corp. posted a revenue increase in its fiscal 2008 first quarter.
Revenue was $5 million for the company’s recently completed quarter, up from $4.7 million in the previous year period. Total revenue for the ATV accessories segment grew to $4.2 million, compared to $3.8 million in fiscal year 2007.
Net income increased nearly 100 percent to $734,600 in the first quarter. Operating profit increased 24 percent for the ATV accessories division.
The company attributes the improved results to the introduction of new products, having brought out more than 80 in the past 12 months; a focus on a reduction of costs; and the amount and frequency of snow this winter in the Snow Belt region.
“Our sales efforts with our distributors are paying off, as the distributors now include in their catalogs our full line of new and existing products that cover all seasons, not just snow plows,” said Randy Kempf, Cycle Country president and CEO.

State Senate Passes Bill That Would Ban ATVs From Paved Roads

The West Virginia senate recently unanimously passed a bill that will ban ATVs from paved roads except to cross roadways, according to an article in the Charleston Gazette.
On the other hand, ATV riders could still drive up to 10 miles on the berm of paved roads or on the far right side of the lane of roads without berms, the newspaper reported.
The bill is also exempt for people using ATVs for farming, oil and gas drilling, surveying or other commercial operations.
Sen. Shirley Love, D-Fayettes said it only prevents riders “from joyriding down an asphalt road.”
Senate Transportation Chairman John Unger, D-Berkeley, says that this bill is a positive move.
“According to those concerned about safety with ATVs, they say it is a step forward,” Unger said. “The intent is to get these vehicles off these paved roads.”
ATV safety advocates aimed to overturn the law that was put in place in 2004 that legitimized driving on paved roads without center-lines.
Since that law was passed, fatal ATV accidents have increased in West Virginia, with a total of 134 deaths, including a record 54 in 2006. Nearly two-thirds of the fatalities that were recorded between 2005 and 2007 occurred on paved roads, according to the article.

DNR Unveils Possible ATV Trails for Wisconsin State Forest

Wisconsin state officials say that there are possible trails for ATVs in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest located in north-central Wisconsin, according to an article that recently appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
There are currently no ATV trails available in the state forest, but there are nearly 80 miles of routes, valued at more than $12 million, that could be used.
There is controversy in whether to go through with it, which is one reason why the state Department of Natural Resources put off the decision in 2005 when a new master plan was approved.
While people opposed to the trails are saying the ATVs would be harmful to the environment and change the land’s character, advocates say ATV use is growing and more trails on public land are needed.
One set of trails, which would run 49 miles in Oneida and Vilas counties, would cost $5.4 million and generally follow state forest roads and snowmobile trails.
The other system would be in Iron County. DNR officials have options for both 18- and 12-mile trails. Thee trails would operate primarily along existing town roads and snowmobile trails, with an estimated cost of more than $7 million. psb