FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2024
RideSafe Powered by BRP Partners with Nationwide to Educate Youth About Safe Use of ATVs and UTVs
“Let’s Champion Rider Safety” Program to Reach Students in Central Iowa
Presented by Nationwide
Lascassas, TN. – RideSafe Powered by BRP and Nationwide have teamed up to educate youth in central Iowa about the importance of proper safety gear and safe operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs).
Hosted by RideSafe Powered by BRP and sponsored by Nationwide, the two organizations will hold the “Let’s Champion Rider Safety” experience at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on September 26. The event will consist of two sessions; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Offered to Kindergarten through 12th grade students, this interactive event will incorporate professional motorsport and powersports athletes, certified safety experts, law enforcement, agricultural youth organizations and community leaders. Together, they will educate students on the known risk factors associated with unsafe riding and equip students to protect themselves around ATVs and UTVs. This event will include safety education stations, helmet fittings, giveaways, and presentations by powersports celebrities and influencers.
ATV and UTV accidents are an ever-present issue affecting everybody, especially youth. According to research conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over 700 deaths involving off-highway vehicles occur each year. Youth under age 16 accounted for one in four OHV fatalities in the first half of 2023.
“The RideSafe Foundation was born out of the loss of my own 11-year-old nephew in an ATV accident,” said Kristen Almer, Co-Founder and Executive Director, RideSafe Foundation. “As a result, I researched the pattern of contributing factors which can lead to these entirely preventable incidents. Through this event, we are committed to teaching children about the simple things they can do to ensure a safer experience while operating ATVs and UTVs on the
farm. Partners like Nationwide will utilize their resources and knowledge to expand our reach and impact, which speaks to their concern and commitment for rural communities.”
As the country’s leading insurer of farms and ranches and a longtime supporter of the central Iowa community, Nationwide is deeply focused on protecting America’s farming families. Its “Let’s Champion Rider Safety” campaign, launched earlier this year, adds to a growing list of initiatives to protect the future of agriculture including its annual Grain Bin Safety campaign and the Golden Owl Award.
“Nationwide is a protection company at its core. We understand that ATVs and UTVs are indispensable in rural America, serving as vital tools for work and recreation. However, with their increasing popularity comes a greater responsibility to respect the potential dangers they pose,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “That’s why we’re dedicated to raising awareness about the safety risks as well as partnering with organizations like the RideSafe Foundation to help educate and equip our communities.”
Nationwide and RideSafe Powered by BRP are working to spread the word with local educators across the state. To learn more about the “Let’s Champion Rider Safety” program or become involved, visit Nationwide’s Let’s Champion Rider Safety campaign or contact us by email.
Check out Nationwide’s Ride Safety Page!
About RideSafe Foundation
RideSafe Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization established in 2018 that is supported by BRP. Co-Founded by Kristen Almer and Hubert Rowland, the foundation works to significantly reduce the number of powersports related injuries and fatalities by inspiring children and adults to wear helmets and proper safety gear, as well as obtain safety certification before operating powersports equipment. Find more information at RideSafeFoundation.org.
