174

- 8

-

Equally important , however , at this point are the industry ' s efforts to reduce the risk of injury associated with the use of all terrain vehicles . I believe that the Commission should encourage and assist the industry to maximize its response . This complex program fosters this purpose by involving the Commission staff directly and early in the voluntary standards development process . Based on reports from our ATV Task Force , some progress has been made toward the development of a voluntary standard . It is encouraging that the industry has agreed to work toward a voluntary standard and has taken

the first steps toward that goal .

Finally , the Commission ' s program is a balanced and comprehensive

approach that permits the Commission to retain the widest possible range of options during this critical investigation and analysis stage . By implementing this multi - faceted program , the Commission has eliminated none of its available remedies and has retained its full array of tools for protecting the public from any unreasonable risks of injury associated with all terrain vehicles . Under statutes enforced by the Commission , these tools range from an information and education effort , to deferral to an adequate voluntary standard

ra

( provided there is substantial industry compliance ) , to issuance of a

Or

Success

mandatory standard or ban , to recall and repair or replacement of the ATV or refund of the purchase price . While we are all hopeful that our work with industry will lead promptly to a successful voluntary standard effort that eliminates or adequately reduces risks of injury associated with all terrain vehicles , the Commission ' s program in no way precludes our taking stronger , more decisive action if the industry fails to act quickly and responsibly .

asso

DO