SALEM – Effective Jan. 1, ATV (quad) or off-road motorcyclists age 16 or younger – or an adult who supervises those riders – must complete the Oregon All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Education course before riding on public lands in Oregon.

After passing the course, riders receive an ATV Safety Education Card. Both the course and the card are free. The online course is available for riders to take at their own pace and is tailored to the places people ride – in the dunes, forest or desert.

“This program is aimed at saving people’s lives,” said John Lane, Oregon Parks and Recreation ATV Safety Education Coordinator. “Accidents and deaths from ATV-related activities are tragic, but even more alarming is the number of children involved in these accidents.”

From 1998 to 2003 the Oregon Trauma Registry recorded more than 1,200 injuries resulting from ATV crashes. ATV-related accidents rose 78 percent from 2001-2003, with more than 20 percent of ATV injuries occurring to children younger than 15.

Legislation passed in 2007 required the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to phase in ATV Safety Education for riding on Oregon’s public lands. Each year after 2009, older age groups will be required to pass the online test. By 2014, all riders regardless of age will be required to carry an ATV Safety Education Card while riding.

“It is similar to driving a car – you want the other drivers to be as well trained as you are,” said Lane. “Now, from the comfort of your own home, and at a time that works for you, you can become a safer rider and be better prepared next time you hit the trails.”

As of Jan. 1, children 17 years or younger are also required to wear helmets with chin straps securely fastened, and children 15 years or younger are required to meet new “rider fit” guidelines that include the appropriate brake, leg and grip reach.

This new law affects all riders using public lands in Oregon. Out-of-state visitors riding their own ATVs on public lands in Oregon are also required to carry an ATV Safety Education Card. Riders renting ATVs will go through a safety checklist with the rental company and be issued a temporary safety education card.

The safety course is not required if the vehicles are being used on land owned or leased by the owner of the vehicle, including farming, agricultural or forestry operations, or, are used exclusively for nursery or Christmas tree growing operations.

Riders who lack Internet access should contact OPRD at 1-877-7SAFELY (1-877-772-3359) for off-line testing options.