Time For Off-Road Vehicle Safety To Be Top Of Mind

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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds Off-Highway Vehicle users it is a good time to brush up on OHV safety and the laws on OHV operation.

"When the weather warms up, OHV users thoughts turn to their vehicles and to getting ready for that first ride," said Ray Paige, FWP Trails Program Specialist. "This is the perfect time to do a safety check of the vehicle, your riding gear and the basic tools and survival items you routinely bring with you on a ride."

To assist OHV riders in preparing for the riding season, FWP has produced a handy pocket-sized brochure summarizing the OHV laws; required fees, decals and registration; safety tips; grant programs for OHV trails; and OHV contacts in Montana. The brochure is available at all FWP and County Treasurers’ offices.

"The brochure is a handy reference for anyone interested in off-road riding and a great tool for parents to use in helping their child develop good habits and outdoor ethics," Paige said.

FWP also offers an All Terrain Vehicle safety home-study course at no charge. The driver safety training is a well-rounded orientation to ATV use in Montana, including assessing risks and how to reduce them; basic riding skills; and how to handle different terrains and unexpected situations.

A print copy of the home-study training manual and course materials can be ordered by calling FWP at 406-444-7317, by emailing rpaige@state.mt.us or by ordering on the Internet at fwp.state.mt.us on the Education page under Off-Highway Vehicles.

To express interest and obtain information on other safety training opportunities called the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America at 800-887-2887 for 4-wheelers, or 877-288-7093 for dirt bikes.