April 15, 2007
USA - In what could be a taste of upcoming rules from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) is poised to release new design, configuration and performance standards for its members in the ATV industry. The standards, typically updated every five years, are designed to improve safety for ATV riders of all ages. Their creation, a yearlong process, is a collaborative effort that combines recommendations and feedback from 27 participants across the industry.
The current draft of the standard includes specifications for two new categories of ATVs, with the intent of providing machines that appeal to younger riders so that youth will ride appropriately sized ATVs, rather than full-size adult machines. Standards for two-passenger ATVs, a growing segment of the industry, will also be included for the first time and will include provisions for passenger handholds and footrests.
