Congress passes bill requiring ATV safety standards
Congress has passed a provision that requires all companies that import or sell ATVs in the United States to comply with the same vehicle safety standards, reported the Coalition for Safe and Responsible ATV Use, a group made up of powersports industry companies.
The coalition is comprised of BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha, and partnered with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America to come up with specific standards.
Some of the proposed standards include 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 also provide cash or product incentives for new ATV purchasers who complete the training course.
The provision was included with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. President Bush is expected to sign the legislation this month, the coalition reported.
“These standards and programs are vital to ensure the safety of American ATV riders,” Ed Krenik, the coalition’s spokesperson, said in a press release.
“The big winners in this legislation are American consumers, who can be assured that any new ATV they buy in the U.S. will adhere to the safety standards and training programs developed over the past 20 years.”
