An ATV is not a toy. Children should not be permitted to operate ATVs without specialized training and then they should be allowed to only operate an ATV of an appropriate size.

• ATVs with an engine size of 70cc to 90cc should be operated by people at least 12 years of age.
• ATVs with an engine size of greater than 90cc should only be operated by people at least 16 years of age.
• Wear appropriate riding gear: DOT-, Snell ANSI-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeve shirt and long pants.
• Read owner's manuals carefully.
• ATVs are not made for multiple riders. Never carry anyone else on the ATV.
• Any added attachments affect the stability, operating and braking of the ATV.
• Just because an attachment is available doesn't mean that it can be used without increasing your risk of being injured.
• Do not operate the ATV on streets, highways or paved roads.

Inspection

• Are tires and wheels in good condition?
• Are controls and cable operational?
• Does the chain have proper slack and is it lubricated?
• Is riding gear (including a helmet) available and worn?

Whether you're a paddling enthusiast or a novice, the National Safety Council offers the following:

The American Canoe Association recommends that you canoe with a minimum of three people or two crafts. Recreational canoeists frequently enjoy canoeing in a single canoe with a partner or solo.

Calm waters can conceal rocky crevices, high waters or lurking dangers. Use good judgment, common sense and preventative measures to insure a safe trip. Become knowledgeable about the sport before you plunge into it. Classes are offered across the country at various skill levels. Experts teach basic safety skills—how to handle a boat properly, select the right gear, and recognize common river dangers. And/or join a local canoe club. Knowledgeable groups can introduce you to the sport and show you how to minimize risk.

Each stream or river presents different challenges and dangers. Even if you're a well-seasoned veteran, be sure you become familiar with the body of water before you embark on a journey.

Be ready for an occasional dunking when you canoe. Don't panic. Stay upstream of the boat to avoid being pinned between the boat and a rock. In calm waters, angle your way up to shore instead of paddling straight. Stay behind the boat, and hold onto it for flotation. Always wear your life jacket.

Don't attempt rivers or rapids beyond your ability. You can progress gradually from one skill level to the next. Unfamiliar waters are certainly no place to "test the waters" or to impress your friends. Whether gliding across calm waters in a local stream or whitewater paddling in remote areas, you can set the pace of the action.

• Using cell phones while driving is a very high risk behavior with significant impact on crashes and society. More than 50 peer-reviewed scientific studies have identified the risks associated with cell phone use while driving.

• Drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a crash while using a cell phone. (1997 New England Journal of Medicine examination of hospital records and 2005 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study linking crashes to cell phone records).

• There is no difference in the cognitive distraction between hand-held and hands-free devices. (Simulator studies at the U. of Utah.)

• Cell phone use contributes to an estimated 6 percent of all crashes, which equates to 636,000 crashes, 330,000 injuries, 12,000 serious injuries and 2,600 deaths each year. (Harvard Center of Risk Analysis).

• 80 percent of crashes are related to driver inattention. There are certain activities that may be more dangerous than talking on a cell phone. However, cell phone use occurs more frequently and for longer durations than other, riskier behaviors. Thus, the #1 source of driver inattention is cell phones. (Virginia Tech 100-car study for NHTSA)

• It is estimated that more than 100 million people use cell phones while driving. (CTIA - The Wireless Association reports 270 million cell phone subscribers. A Nationwide Insurance public opinion poll showed 81 percent of the public admit to talking on a cell phone while driving).

• The annual cost of crashes caused by cell phone use is estimated to be $43 billion (Harvard Center for Risk Analysis).

• Talking to a passenger while driving is significantly safer than talking on a cell phone. (University of Utah)

• Many businesses understand the risk and are already taking action. Among NSC members that responded to a survey, 45 percent (651 of 1453 respondents) said their companies had a cell phone policy of some kind. Of those, 22 percent said they re-engineered their processes to accommodate the policy and 85 percent said the policy did not affect productivity.

Source www.nsc.org

Based on a National Safety Council survey in August 2008, 35 states reported having work zone speed laws and 49 states had special penalties for traffic violations in work zones, such as increased or doubled fines. Hawaii and the District of Columbia were the only jurisdictions with neither.

We all are responsible for driving, walking, and biking, safely through work zones. The engineers and planners have the responsibility to make sure the work zone is designed and operating properly -- with safety in mind. Drivers and pedestrians have the responsibility to always be alert and obey the traffic laws. The police and the courts have the responsibility to make sure that the traffic and work zone laws are enforced. Public safety agencies have the responsibility of responding to and securing crash locations and enforcing traffic laws. Local communities and county and state governments need to allocate funding for safe roads and increase public awareness about work zone safety. Everyone should take responsibility for work zone safety.

Tips for driving safely in work zones:

• Expect the unexpected -- Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road.
• Slow down -- Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
• Don't tailgate -- Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear end collision.
• Keep your distance -- Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the construction workers and their equipment.
• Pay attention to the signs -- The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone.
• Obey road crew flaggers -- The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.
• Stay alert and minimize distractions -- Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving.Keep up with the traffic flow -- Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Don't drive right up to the lane closure and then try to barge in.
• Expect delays -- Schedule enough time to drive safely and check radio, tv and web sites for traffic information.
• Be patient and stay calm -- The work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better.

This information is in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, and American Road & Transportation Builders Association.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head and face cool. This will also provide added protection from damaging sun exposure. Baseball caps provide little protection except to the face. A hat should protect the neck, face and ears.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt at all times. It should be light colored and loose fitting except when working around machinery.
• Carry a source of water with you. Take drinks frequently—every 15 minutes.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or in a cool environment during the hottest times of the day.
• Adjust gradually to working in the heat over a period of 10-20 days.
• Someone suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke should be moved to a cool environment, offered sips of water, if conscious, and provided with attention from emergency medical personnel.
• Wear sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15. Make sure children are also adequately protected.

Inspection

• Is fresh water available?
• Is sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on hand?
• Is protective clothing available and being worn?