Do the Ride Thing Video Contest offers kids $10,000 in prizes

| July 5, 2010 | 0 Comments

A contest sponsored by the ATV Safety Institute gives children and youth a chance to win up to $2,500 for recording a short video emphasizing ATV safety.

The Do the Ride Thing Video Contest runs June 18 to Sept. 6 and offers 10 prizes totaling $10,000. Students ages six to 18 may enter. The winning 30- and 60-second videos will be used as public service announcements (PSAs) by the institute.

“What better way to motivate and inform people — especially kids and their parents — about the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles than to have kids create videos that highlight one or more of the ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules?” Paul Vitrano, executive vice president of the ASI, stated in a press release. “By harnessing the social networking power of YouTube, it gives kids the opportunity to ‘Do the Ride Thing’ and help other kids ride safe, ride smart.”

To enter, kids create a 30- or 60-second video/PSA, upload it to YouTube, and submit an entry form on the ASI website. For official video content requirements, contest rules and entry forms, visit www.atvsafety.org/ATV_PSA_Contest/index.html.

There will be three winners in each of the three age categories: 6-10, 11-14, and 15-18. First-place winners earn $1,100, second-place winners $800, and third-place winners $600. Plus, all age categories are eligible to win the $2,500 grand prize. The 10 prizes total $10,000.

According to the ASI, more than 35 million Americans operate nearly 10 million ATVs. Many owners share their ATVs, so it’s essential that riders and nonriders alike understand the importance of the safe and responsible use of ATVs.

The institute points out that summer and holidays are times when children have more free time to enjoy many activities, including riding ATVs. Nearly 90 percent of youth ATV-related injury incidents, the institute claims, occur when a youth is operating an ATV manufactured and intended for use by an adult. 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. Parents literally hold the key to their children’s safety, the institute says. Every ATV has an ignition key, and when a parent or guardian controls the key, they control the use.

The ASI says that Consumer Product Safety Commission data show that 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors. The institute has eight Golden Rules of ATV safety that address these behaviors and apply to all riders:

Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
Never ride on public roads — another vehicle could hit you.
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle, nor more than an operator and passenger on an ATV designed for two persons.
Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
Take an ATV RiderCourse; call toll-free at 800-887-2887, or go to www.atvsafety.org to sign up or try the new free online e-course.