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instructs the parent to supervise the child ' s riding activity .

Children were also found to be riding adult size machines .

Because of their lower weight and smaller size , the children were

unable to control the machines , resulting in accidents and

injuries .

The ATC was sold from the beginning with an instruction

manual which told the rider to study carefully and practice the

techniques required to operate the ATC before he increased his

speed or rode on challenging terrain . Nevertheless , some people

ignore the instructions and do not learn the proper skills necessary for operating this machine in off - road terrain .

This

resulted in misjudgments , and excessive speed for conditions ,

leading to accidents and injuries .

Although all of these possible rider behavior problems had been addressed in the instructions and Owner ' s Manual accompanying each product sold , the accidents showed that the message was not heeded by the ATC owners and riders .

Honda had past experience in reducing accident rates on

motorcycles through the establishment of the Motorcycle Safety

Foundation ( MSF ) .

As a result of this good experience , Honda ,

with other ATV manufacturers , established the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America ( SVIA ) to begin to conduct training programs

and certification of ATV riders , in order to ensure that they

·

receive the proper instruction in riding techniques and safety

precautions .

The SVIA was established in 1983 and funded by the

four main ATV manufacturers . Member manufacturers immediately