Online course is starting place for learning about ATV safety

Monday, November 25, 2013

Before actually driving an ATV, youth who are interested in learning more about the safety aspects of handing these machines can do so through an online safety course.

Sponsored through the ATV Safety Institute (ASI), in cooperation with ATV Ride Safe Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, the ATV Safety E-Course adventure is a great way to introduce the ATV experience to both novice and experienced riders.

Mike Klumpp, Oklahoma 4-H ATV safety coordinator, said more than 600 youth have taken the online course and he’s hoping to reach 1,000 participants by the end of 2013.

“We’ve been teaching hands-on ATV safety through the 4-H program in Oklahoma for a number of years, but the E-Course is relatively new,” Klumpp said. “It’s a great, safe way for beginning riders to start learning about all the safety aspects of riding an ATV. Oklahoma averages more than 15 ATV-related deaths each year and has one of the nation’s highest rates of injury for youth age 16 and under. This online learning opportunity is one of the first steps youth can take to learn about safe riding.”

The E-Course is free and can be found at www.atvsafety.org. It offers three age-specific e-learning courses to address basic ATV safety principles.

Klumpp said it takes about two hours to complete the course, and participants can stop at any point and come back later to finish up right where they left off.

“Riding ATVs is a great family activity and we encourage all family members to complete the E-Course. This would be a fun way to spend some time together over the holidays,” he said. “Because we’re keeping track of the number of youth and adults who complete the course, please email me to let me know you’ve done so.”

Please email Klumpp at mklumpp.osu@gmail.com.

Youth who complete the online course are encouraged to participate in the hands-on learning opportunities offered around the state. Currently there are 17 OSU Cooperative Extension county educators who are trained to offer the hands-on ATV RiderCourse in each of the four districts.

“Our main goal with any of our ATV safety courses, whether it’s an online course or a hands-on course where participants actually ride the machines, is to provide safety education and injury prevention information,” Klumpp said. “I’ve had so many youth and adults tell me how much they’ve learned through these opportunities. We know we’re making a difference and we’ll continue to do so.”

To take the hands-on ASI ATV RiderCourse, contact your local OSU Cooperative Extension county educator, or contact the Oklahoma 4-H ATV Safety Program at 405-657-7444.