ATV RiderCourse
What is involved in a 4-H ATV Safety RiderCourse?
Participants must attend a hands-on, half-day 4-H ATV RiderCourse that is conducted by a licensed ATV Safety Institute instructor.
Register here for the 4-H ATV Safety Rider Course.
Who is eligible to participate in the ATV RiderCourse?
A parent must be present for riders under 12; parents are encouraged to be present for riders under 16.
How much does it cost to participate in an ATV RiderCourse?
The ATV Safety Institute has valued the 4-H ATV RiderCourse at $55 for each youth 6–15 years of age and $75 per person for those over 15. However, Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H ATV Safety Program does not charge for this training because a grant from the ATV Safety Institute and National 4-H Council covers expenses.
Can participants of the ATV Safety RiderCourse use their own ATV unit?
Participants of the ATV Safety RiderCourse can most definitely use their own unit as long as the ATV unit is of the appropriate size for the rider based on ASI’s standards. If the participant does not have an ATV of the appropriate size, he or she can make specific arrangements with the Instructor and one will be made available at the training site.
What should I bring to the ATV Safety RiderCourse
In order to participate in the ATV RiderCourse, participants must wear proper riding gear at all times during the training that include the following:
1. DOT-approved motorcycle helmet
2. Sturdy gloves
3. Goggles or face shield
4. Over-the-ankle boots
5. Long pants
6. Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
(Note: If a participant needs specific riding gear, contact the instructor and that gear can be arranged)
For more information about ATV safety or to enroll in the ATV Safety Institute 4-H ATV RiderCourse nearest you, contact your local Extension office or the State 4-H Office at 662-325-3350.
Publications
News
A recent grant award is helping provide all-terrain vehicle safety training to Mississippi 4-H’ers. The Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H ATV Safety Program recently received $10,000 from Polaris through the company’s T.R.A.I.L.S. grant program. The funds purchased two youth sized Polaris ATVs and safety equipment. T.R.A.I.L.S. is an acronym for trail development, responsible riding, access, initiatives, lobbying and safety.
All-terrain vehicles are commonly used in Mississippi for entertainment and work, but driving them dangerously is a frequent cause of injuries and death.
Abbye Buchanan, of Florence, is the 2018 winner of the Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H ATV Safety PSA Contest. Buchanan is 11 years old and has been a member of 4-H for 3 years. (File photo/MSU Extension Service)
Success Stories
Extension ATV training helps cancer survivors’ wishes come true
Getting a driver’s license and going through ATV safety training are rites of passage for many Mississippi teens, but, for two young outdoorsmen, achieving these goals meant much more
