OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE SAFETY ENCOURAGED OVER EASTER WEEKEND

Salt Lake -- Utah State Park off-highway vehicle (OHV) managers remind everyone to ride safely and responsibly over the Easter holiday. Riders should be properly trained and prepared, and ride in a responsible manner.

Utah State Parks urges parents to enroll children in a Know Before You Go! training course, which is required by Utah law. By passing this course, drivers eight through 16 may legally operate an OHV. Drivers 16 years and older must have a valid driver*s license or OHV education certificate. Remember, children under age eight cannot operate an OHV on public land.

In addition to preparation and training, Utah State Parks OHV Education Specialist Ann Evans offers the following guidelines for safe OHV
riding:

- Always wear a safety-rated and properly fitted helmet, goggles, clothing covering arms and legs, and over-the-ankle boots.
- Check mechanical controls and safety devices on your machine before you ride to ensure proper operation.
- Do not take alcohol or drugs along for the ride.
- Ride your OHV only in areas designated for their use. The best way to protect your riding privilege is to stay on the trail.
- Do not carry passengers on single-person machines. However, never ride alone and always let someone know your itinerary.
- Carry tools and survival gear in the event of changing weather conditions and mechanical failure.
- Respect closed areas and private property. Don't cut switchbacks or take shortcuts. Remember, areas signed as wilderness are closed to all motorized vehicles.
- -OHVs should not to be used as *babysitters* by parents at any time, especially in campgrounds or neighborhood roads.

To register for Know Before You Go! classes or for information on OHV laws and riding areas, contact the OHV Information Center at (801)
538-7433 from within Salt Lake City, or 1-800-OHV-RIDE (648-7433) from outside the area.

Youth ATV and OHM Classes Available Statewide

Utah State Parks has scheduled ATV and OHM education classes in Weber, Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake, Utah, Washington, Wasatch, Summit, Sanpete, Grand, Iron, and Daggett counties.

Youth, age eight to 16 (who are required by state law to take a safety class prior to operating off-highway vehicles on public lands or trails), can register one week prior to the class. For registration materials, please call (801) 538-7433 in the Salt Lake calling area or toll free, 1-800-648-7433 (1-800-OHV-RIDE).