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Contact:

ATV Safety Institute

Media Relations

(949) 727-3727, ext. 3091


Calling all Creative Kids to Enter the “Do the Ride Thing” Video Contest – $10,000 in Prizes!

IRVINE, Calif., July 22, 2010 – With the busy summer riding season upon us, the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) encourages kids to enter the “Do the Ride Thing” Video Contest. Sponsored by the ASI, the contest runs through September 6, 2010 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 ATV Safety 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?” said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI. “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 http://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. 1st Place winners earn $1,100, 2nd Place is $800, and 3rd Place is $600. Plus, all age categories are eligible to win the $2,500 Grand Prize. The ten prizes total $10,000. Contest posters are available for download at atvsafety.org.

There are nearly ten million ATVs in use across the United States, being operated by more than 35 million Americans. Many ATV owners share their ATVs so it is essential that riders and non-riders alike understand the importance of the safe and responsible use of ATVs.

Summer and holidays are a time when children have more free time to enjoy many activities, including riding ATVs. Nearly 90 percent of youth ATV-related injury incidents 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. Every ATV has an ignition key, and when a parent or guardian controls the key, they control the use.

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

ATV Safety Institute's Golden Rules

1. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
2. Never ride on public roads -- another vehicle could hit you.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle, nor more than an operator and passenger on an ATV designed for two persons.
5. Ride an ATV that's right for your age.
6. Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8. 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.

The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute® develops rider training programs and promotes the safe and responsible use of ATVs. The ASI works to reduce crashes and injuries resulting from improper ATV use. Formed in 1988, the ASI is a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America®. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

Everyone, the following information is regarding an upcoming herbicide treatment aerial spray which will impact the Jones Creek Trail. Wanted to give you all a heads up to let you know what’s coming, and to help spread the word to the public. As this develops, I will continue to keep you all in the loop.

The summer site preparation aerial herbicide spray contract sold on Tuesday, July 6. The contract window is from July 19-August 20. The units included in this contract are Happy Dance U2 (north of C loop) and the Remington Steele units directly on the 1600 (affecting all 3 loops- mostly B loop). The silviculturalists plan to begin putting yellow herbicide info signage (not closure signage, just informational about the upcoming activity) up next week, so that the public has a heads up. Aerial spray operations can happen at the drop of a hat, due to weather and wind patterns. I will know more about this as soon as they do, and it will likely only be a day or 2 in advance. I will get the specific spray/closure info to you as soon as I have it. I will also work with my staff and the silviculturalists to ensure all necessary closure signage is posted. Be prepared for a quick closure for this (and any future) spray.

The herbicides used will be Accord Concentrate (Glyphosate), Chopper (Imazapyr), and Oust Extra (Sulfometuron). The contractor will have the option of using a stronger type of Chopper (Chopper Gen 2). Let’s prepare for a 48 hour shutdown period, as this is the length of time after spray if using the stronger herbicide that re-entry would be safe. More to come on that one.

The contractors do have the latitude to spray on weekends, as this is so weather dependent. So, also be prepared for this closure to affect weekend recreation activity. This is for the public’s safety, so hopefully people will understand and comply and not needlessly put themselves at risk.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Like I said, this information is often very short notice as it’s weather dependent, but silviculture and recreation will work together to ensure the posting of signage and information.

Thank you,

Jessica Kimmick

Recreation Manager

WA DNR

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