What Every ATV Rider Should Know Before They Go: Allstate Provides Safety and NY State Law Info

This season of the year, children have more free time to enjoy outdoor activities, including ATVs. Riders of all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles will always get the most enjoyment by riding smart and riding safe.
 
Aug. 12, 2010 - PRLog -- This season of the year, children have more free time to enjoy outdoor activities, including ATVs. Riders of all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles will always get the most enjoyment by riding smart and riding safe.

An ATVSafety.gov spokesperson states that children are involved in about one-third of all ATV-related deaths and hospital emergency room injuries. Most of these deaths and injuries occur when a child is driving or riding on an adult ATV.

Parental supervision is a key element to a child's safety, and children under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times when operating an ATV. ATVSafety.gov says there are 10 important things riders should know before they go:

1.   ATVs are not toys! They are powerful and potentially dangerous vehicles.
2.   ATVs can travel at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour and can weigh in excess of 700 pounds.
3.   ATVs can easily roll and tip over. Their unpredictable nature in off-road conditions makes training and proper use essential.
4.   In 2003, there were an estimated 740 deaths associated with ATVs, including 140 reported deaths that involved children. In 2004, an estimated 136,000 ATV-related injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms.
5.   All riders should always wear a helmet when on an ATV.
6.   About one-third of ATV-related deaths and injuries involve children. Anyone younger than 16 years of age should never be on an adult ATV.
7.   Stay off paved roads and avoid unfamiliar terrain.
8.   Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV.
9.   Do not drive an ATV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
10.   All riders should take a hands-on safety training course.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, insurance coverage is required unless you drive the ATV only on your private property.  “Allstate’s off-road vehicle policies are designed with riders’ needs in mind,” says Allstate New York spokesperson Krista Conte. “If you own an off-road vehicle, there’s a good chance we can help you protect it, and yourself, in case of an accident.”

NYDMV further states that one may not operate any ATV anywhere in New York State, except on your own property, unless it is covered by liability insurance. Minimum required coverage is $50,000/$100,000 for death, $25,000/$50,000 for injury and $10,000 for property damage in any one accident. You must show proof of this insurance upon the request of a judge, the police or a person claiming to have suffered injury or property damage from your operation of the ATV.

Allstate recommends protecting yourself and your family with:
•   Liability Coverage
Typically helps protect you for damages to others if you’re at fault in a covered accident.
•   Guest Passenger Liability Coverage
Typically helps protect you for bodily injury to a passenger on your ATV, if you’re at fault in a covered accident.
•   Medical Payments Coverage
Typically provides payment for reasonable and necessary medical treatment for you or another insured person after a covered accident.
•   Underinsured/Uninsured Motorists Coverage
Typically protects you for covered damage caused by drivers who don’t have insurance or don’t carry enough insurance.

Conte adds that you should check with your local Allstate agent about the numerous new off-road vehicle features, such as a first accident waiver incentive, and any discounts that may be available, such as the Accident Prevention Course Discount.

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The Allstate Corporation  is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow.
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