Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch To Help ‘Drive’ Safer ATV Riding Among Teens

Kids account for more than one in five all-terrain vehicle deaths each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Latest statistics show more than 700 total deaths nationwide and an estimated 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries annually. Indiana ranks consistently among the top 20 states for ATV deaths.

That’s why instructors at the nonprofit Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch will this summer help “drive” statewide safety efforts among students. ISYR will kick-start Safer ATV Riding classes during free, specialized leadership camps for future law enforcement officers and firefighters.

“Public safety’s most effective way of addressing ATV tragedies is to prevent them before they occur,” says Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse, ISYR president. “Through Shaffstall, Inc., an authorized Polaris, Inc. dealer in Salem, Ind., our sheriffs and deputies have acquired safety equipment, videos and printed materials to help support fact-based training prior to the teens’ fun-filled riding experience across our 62-acre training retreat.”

Through past support from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana

Sheriffs’ Association, plus new support from Polaris Inc. and Schaffstall, Inc., the Youth Ranch was able to purchase a fleet of five 196 cc Polaris Phoenix 200s equipped with helmets, safety tethers, speed governors and whip flags, said John Jones, owner of John Jones Auto Group and ISYR treasurer.

Participating students will be required to follow guidelines taught in the Safer ATV Riding classes, said former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, vice president of ISYR:

• Review safety videos and printed materials before riding.
• Become familiar with all controls, especially brakes.
• Utilize safety equipment – lights, flags, gear, etc.
• Review the terrain, particularly hills and wooded areas.
• Be well rested and alert.
• Refuse to use alcohol or drugs.
• Wear a helmet, long pants, closed shoes or boots at all times.
• Add arm and knee pads whenever possible.
• Ride at safe distances from other ATVs.
• Never outride your capabilities.
• Use added caution on pavement and wet or slick surfaces.
• Ride defensively.

ISYR’s free weeklong Sheriff & Police, Fire & EMS Explorer Academies will begin this summer with a special pilot program involving West Central Indiana counties, said Cass County Sheriff Ed Schroder, ISYR secretary.

Applications for the July camps will be available after May 1 through participating schools and public safety agencies in Clay, Greene, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties. Next year, ISYR hopes increased funding and expanded accommodations will allow the Explorer Academies to be offered to students statewide, Schroder added.

To donate, volunteer or receive information, write to ISYR, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47834, email [email protected] or call 317-460-4242.