ATV Safety Institute Selects Video Contest Winners [video]

The ATV Safety Institute has made a handful of young ATV riders very happy after handing out seven cash prizes to the winners of its “Do the Ride Thing” video contest.

An ASI judging panel selected the winners among dozens of entries from young enthusiasts nationwide, all aiming to highlight the “Golden Rules” of ATV Safety.

Bobby Burns of Getzville, NY, won the grand prize of $2,500, while his younger brother Nathan won the $1,100 first place prize in the age 6-10 category.

“This is the first video contest I’ve ever won so it’s like crazy awesome!” says Bobby Burns, age 13. “I thought protective gear was the most important message to tell kids, and also to not drive on public roads.”

The ASI chose winners in three age categories, along with the grand prize winner, whose video can be viewed below.

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“ASI encourages all kids to follow the Golden Rules of ATV safety, but that message can have a much greater impact when spoken by another kid,” says Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI. “The ‘Do The Ride Thing’ contest allows us to draw attention to safe ATV practices and teach young riders and their parents how important it is to always ride safe/ride smart.”

The ASI’s “Do the Ride Thing” Video Contest winners for the summer of 2010 are:

Grand Prize * $2,500 Grand Prize Winner – Bobby Burns of Getzville, New York. See Bobby’s video here. Ages 6-10 * $1,100 First Place Winner – Nathan Burns of Getzville, New York. See Nathan’s video here. Ages 11-14 * $1,100 First Place Winner – Devin Williams and Hunter Tucker of Crossville, Alabama. See Devin & Hunter’s video here. * $800 Second Place Winner – Caleb McDowel of Marion, South Carolina. Ages 15-18 * $1,100 First Place Winner – Tori Winslow and Timmy Winslow of Elk Grove, California. See Tori & Tim’s video here. * $800 Second Place Winner – Michaela Jade Poore and Brett George of Crossville, Alabama. * $600 Third Place Winner – Tiffany Bruce, Avery Ross and Jon Surrett of Crossville, Alabama.

The ASI designed the contest (which ran from June 18 to Sept. 6) to inform and motivate kids and their parents on the responsible use of ATV riding while spreading the message to other young riders. Every entry took a unique approach to demonstrate safe riding practices.

The ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules 1.  Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves. 2. Never ride on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted by law – another vehicle could hit you. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway. 3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. 4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV designed for two people. 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 a hands-on ATV RiderCourse and the free online E-Course. Visit ATVSafety.org or call 800.887.2887.

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