Congress Sends Senator Stevens' ATV Safety Legislation to the President

Press Release

Congress Sends Senator Stevens' ATV Safety Legislation to the President

Late yesterday, Congress approved ATV safety provisions authored by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) as part of a comprehensive consumer product safety bill. The measure now heads to the President to be signed into law.

"Foreign-made ATVs that are missing important safety features create serious hazards for riders, especially children," said Senator Stevens. "These provisions protect American consumers by requiring ATV manufacturers to comply with uniform safety standards. This is an essential step in reducing ATV-related accidents and deaths."

Senator Stevens' provisions require all companies and manufacturers that market and sell all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the United States to meet the same basic product safety standards. The provision was included as an amendment to the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act and was introduced as a standalone bill last year.

Reports and congressional hearings have shown that many of the new entrant ATVs imported into the United States do not meet current industry safety standards and are being sold to American consumers without adequate warnings, instructions, and training opportunities.

Foreign ATV manufactures have been selling an increasing number of ATVs in the United States. However, they are not required to meet the same strict safety standards as domestic manufacturers. Specific safety features are missing from these imported ATVs, including front brakes, parking brakes, and a feature preventing the vehicle from being started in gear.

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