ORGANIZATION FORMED TO PROMOTE THE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF ROVs
A new name- ROV, Recreational Off-highway Vehicle- for the increasingly popular side-by-sides and UTV categories is announced by ROHVA, as well as safety rules, equipment standards, configuration, performance requirements and guidelines for trail access issues.
Formed by the major manufacturers and distributors to promote the safe and responsible use of a new and emerging category of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) received ANSI accreditation on November 3, 2008 to develop a standard for the equipment, configuration and performance requirements of ROVs. In addition, ROHVA has published Safety Rules for these increasingly popular off-road vehicles.
An ROV – sometimes broadly referred to as a side-by-side or UTV – is a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, with a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, seat belts, an occupant protective structure, and engine displacement up to 1,000cc. Current models are designed with seats for a driver and one or more passengers. ROVs’ performance and durability make them ideally suited for a variety of outdoor recreational activities as well as many work applications.
Of particular interest to the State Partners of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) are issues regarding ROV trail access on motorized trails. Click here to see how ROVs may fit into trail management plans. In addition, ROHVA has created a document entitled "Model State Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) Legislation" which is available for use by state OHV associations, land managers, agencies and lawmakers.
The following “ROV Safety Rules” focus on safe and responsible ROV use:
1. Always wear protective gear, use the seat belts, keep all parts of your body inside the ROV, and wear a helmet when driving the ROV for recreational purposes.
2. Never drive on public roads – another vehicle could hit you.
3. Drive only in designated areas, at a safe speed, and use care when turning and crossing slopes.
4. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
5. Never drive an ROV unless you’re 16 or older or have a driver’s license. ROVs are not toys.
6. Never carry more passengers than the ROV is designed for, and never allow a passenger who is too small to sit in a passenger seat to ride in the ROV.
7. Read and follow the operator’s manual and warning labels.
“The safety of the driver and passengers of ROVs is the top priority of the ROHVA member companies,” said ROHVA Vice President Tom Yager. “ROHVA and our member companies strongly recommend that ROV drivers and passengers follow these important safety rules to avoid crashes and injuries.”
In addition, ROHVA will serve as the primary resource for information on ROVs. To coincide with its ANSI accreditation the association has launched a website, www.rohva.org, and has published ROV Safety Rules as well as a description of this emerging vehicle category. Further specific ROV educational materials are currently under development and will be posted to the site.
ROVs offered in dealerships across the country include the Arctic Cat Prowler, Kawasaki TERYXTM, Polaris Ranger® and Ranger RZRTM, and Yamaha Rhino models.
The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) was formed to promote the safe and responsible use of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) manufactured or distributed in North America. Based in Irvine, Calif., the not-for-profit trade association is sponsored by Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, and Yamaha.
