Always wear a helmet when operating an OHV

Hi all,

The Idaho Off-Highway Vehicle Public Outreach Project has produced two helmet-safety videos in hopes of boosting the rate of helmet use among OHV riders.

Children under the age of 18 are required by Idaho law to wear a helmet if they are operating or riding on an off-highway vehicle on trails or roads in the state of Idaho.

"Wearing a helmet when you're riding an OHV is not only common sense and a good idea, it's the law for kids under the age of 18," says Troy Elmore, OHV Program Manager for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, wearing a helmet when operating or riding on an OHV can reduce the risk of death in an accident by 42 percent.

Here are two videos that address helmet safety ... one from a young teen-age rider and one from a helmet safety expert. Please feel free to share the videos with your riding partners and friends.

Ride safe!

For more information, go to www.stayontrails.com.

Reminder for OHV riders: Helmets are required for kids under 18 when operating or riding on an OHV

DOT-approved full-face helmets are recommended ...

New helmet safety poster will be distributed to 250 OHV dealers statewide. (Click on image to enlarge)

Hi all,

One of the educational initiatives for the Idaho Off-Highway Vehicle Outreach Campaign this year is to remind parents and OHV dealers that Idaho state law requires kids under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when riding or operating an OHV. The law has been on the books for six years; compliance appears to be low.

"Wearing a helmet when you're riding an OHV is not only common sense and a good idea, it's the law for kids under the age of 18," says Troy Elmore, OHV Program Manager for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, wearing a helmet when operating or riding on an OHV can reduce the risk of death in an accident by 42 percent.

Statewide, since 2001, there have been about 20 accidents involving kids on OHVs each year on Idaho's public roads, according to records from the Idaho Department of Transportation. In 2003 and 2004, there were 34 accidents in each of those years.

As part of an effort to increase public awareness of the helmet requirements for Idaho kids, the Idaho OHV Public Outreach Campaign and IDPR are handing out posters that include the message: "Use Your Brain - Always Wear a Helmet." The posters will be distributed to 250 OHV dealers in Idaho in early June.

Even though Idaho state law was changed six years ago to include the helmet requirements in hopes of saving lives and reducing injuries, public lands officials in the state have noticed that the law receives low compliance. They are hoping that with some increased publicity and outreach, compliance will improve.

"We want everyone to have a safe riding season in 2011," Elmore said. "You can't ever anticipate when an accident is going to occur, so the safest approach is to wear a helmet."

IDPR officials recommend that OHV riders wear DOT-approved full-face helmets for the best effectiveness, and to be sure that helmets fit properly.

"Helmets are normally comprised of four elements -- a rigid outer shell, a crushable liner, chin straps or a retaining system and fit or comfort padding," notes Richard Gummersall, OHV education coordinator. "The rigid outer shell, when present, adds a load-spreading capability, and prevents objects from penetrating the helmet. It's kind of like an additional skull.

"The liner, usually made of EPS (expanded polystyrene) or similar types of materials, absorbs the energy of an impact by crushing. The chin strap when properly buckled and adjusted along with the fit padding helps the helmet remain in position during a crash."

Here is the full text from Idaho Code 49-666: Motorcycle, motorbike, UTV and ATV safety helmets -- Requirements and standards. No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall ride upon or be permitted to operate a motorcycle, motorbike, utility type vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle unless at all times when so operating or riding upon the vehicle he is wearing, as part of his motorcycle, motorbike, UTV or ATV equipment, a protective safety helmet of a type and quality equal to or better than the standards established for helmets by the director, except the provisions of this section shall not apply when such vehicles are operated or ridden on private property, or when used as an implement of husbandry.

Please spread the word!

Thanks and have a safe ride.

Gift tip for OHV riders - find a cool helmet for your kids

Hi all,

Maybe you're still searching for a great gift idea for your kids ... and Christmas is only 5 days away!

Well, here's a thought that might work -- a cool helmet for your kids!

Several years ago, Idaho state law was changed to require youths under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when riding a motorbike, ATV or UTV on roads, trails or dunes. The law was changed to promote safety and prevent head injuries to kids.

It's important to remember that helmets are required for kids not only if they are driving the OHV, but also if they are riding on an OHV with another person.

The helmets should be DOT-approved. You can find them at OHV retail stores, Cabela's, or online.

The whole idea is to avoid head injuries. All of us are born with only one brain. OHV's have the ability to travel very fast on roads and trails. If an accident occurs, it's likely going to be a high-speed accident, leading to a possible head injury, concussion or worse. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, if a person is involved in an accident while riding an OHV, helmets reduce the risk of death by 42%.

While no one ever wants to be involved in an accident, they do occur. Since the early 1980s, more than 90 Idaho residents have died in ATV-related accidents, with a quarter of those killed younger than 16, according to the state of Idaho.

In many ways, it's just common sense to wear a helmet so you can ride safe and smart.

Some other considerations when buying a helmet for your kids:

• Make sure it fits properly. A loose helmet can flop down and obscure a person's vision, potentially causing an accident by itself.
• A full-face helmet can really help prevent injuries to the mouth and facial areas. Consider a full-face helmet to avoid expensive dental and medical costs.

Have a great holiday!