182

cars

a ca

stem the rising tide of ATV injuries . This vote came after a careful review by the CPSC staff of all the options available to the Commission , and an evaluation of the costs in time and money that would be involved in taking action on the ATV issue .

COST

ue

The plan adopted by the Commission , with my support , represents a sub

a

stantial commitment of agency resources to address what we see as a serious

OTS

problem . It calls for a thorough , yet speedy , study of all the factors affecting ATV safety . Through this seven - point program , which includes engineering and hazard analyses , public hearings , and the monitoring of

voluntary actions by industry , the Commission is taking what I regard as

prudent yet far - reaching steps to resolve the ATV dilemma .

Until the preliminary work is complete , though , including a study by our engineering staff and a survey of a representative sample of injuries

by our investigators , we cannot presume that we have the answers as to how

best to deal with ATV safety issues . While government - sponsored educational campaigns are not the only way of addressing safety issues , for instance , it may be that such a campaign , if done properly and with the cooperation of public and private groups , could be effective in informing consumers about the unusual characteristics of these vehicles and the need for safety precautions . At the same time , after the results of the

consumer

umusu

engineering studies are in , we may find that there are ways to modify the

se

vehicles to improve their safety during use . In fulfilling my responsibilities as a Commissioner , I would not act on any course of action

until the facts are in .