Polaris promotes ATV safety in Minneapolis

PowersportsBusinessMay 17, 2011

Polaris Industries has teamed up with Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota on a three-year initiative to promote the safe use of ATVs through education and outreach programs.

The goal of the partnership is to reduce the number of ATV injuries and deaths among children under age 16 in Minnesota by 10 percent by 2014.

“Partnering with Children’s, the leading pediatric health authority in Minnesota, was an easy decision,” Polaris CEO Scott Wine said in a joint press release. “We want riding ATVs to be fun for the whole family, and safety is our foremost concern.”

The campaign includes advertising, public service announcements on television and one-on-one outreach to children and parents at the Minnesota State Fair and county fairs. The messages the campaign is focusing on include that children under 16 should: ride correctly sized ATVs, always wear appropriate safety gear and take an approved rider safety course before operating any ATV.

“At Children’s, we know the best way to keep children healthy is to prevent injuries from happening in the first place,” Alan L. Goldbloom, MD, president and CEO of Children’s of Minnesota, said in the release. “The safety of children is a top priority for both organizations. This program will allow us to reach more families to promote safe riding habits and avoid trips to our emergency department.”