ATVs are intended for use on various types of unpaved terrain. They have large, low-pressure tires; straddle seats; and handlebars for steering control. ATVs generally are intended for use by a single operator; however, some models have a seat for an additional passenger. ATVs are considered to be “rider-active” vehicles—that is, when the operator shifts his or her body weight, the operation of the vehicle is affected, including the turning and stability of the vehicle. Although three-wheeled ATVs originally were produced, nearly all ATVs in use today are four-wheeled vehicles. ATVs are available in a number of different models. For example, sport ATVs are designed for recreational trail riding. Utility ATVs are also recreational vehicles, but have cargo racks and can be fitted with attachments, including trailers, and have utility purposes such as doing chores and for farming. Additionally, ATVs are available in youth-sized and adult-sized models. (See fig. 1.) Youth-sized models typically have engine sizes that are typically 90 cubic centimeters or less and weigh less than 300 pounds, while adult-sized models have engine sizes that range from 90 cubic centimeters to 1,000 cubic centimeters and weigh between 300 and 700 pounds. A new “transition” model, which is designed for children who are 14 years old or older and are under adult supervision, has an engine size of about 150 cubic centimeters and weighs around 350 pounds. ATVs were first introduced in the 1970s. Sales of the vehicles increased substantially in the 1980s and more than tripled from 1980 to 1985. Moreover, according to Commission staff estimates, the number of four- wheeled ATVs in use nearly tripled during the last decade, from about 3.6 million in 1999 to about 10.2 million in 2008, an increase of 183 percent. (See fig. 2.) However, Commission staff estimates of the number of ATVs in use do not include information on how often the vehicles are used or how many miles they are ridden. According to a 2008 survey of ATV owners conducted by the Motorcycle Industry Council, a trade association that represents motorcycle manufacturers and distributors and works with the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, which represents ATV manufacturers and distributors, nearly 40 percent of ATV riders are younger than 30 years of age. Although the survey also found that the majority of ATV riders—81 percent—are male, it indicated that the number of female riders had increased 138 percent since 2000. The ATV market in the United States has changed in recent years as new entrants, mainly from China and Taiwan, have gained market share from the traditional manufacturers in the United States (e.g., Honda, Polaris, and Yamaha). According to a market research firm that collects data on U.S. ATV sales, the market share represented by new entrants increased from 14 percent in 2004 to 42 percent in 2007 before declining to 34 percent in 2008. As shown in figure 3, total U.S. sales of ATVs declined from about 1.1 million units in 2007 to 689,000 units in 2008, a decrease of about 400,000 vehicles, which industry officials attributed to the economic recession. The market research firm also estimated that youth-sized models represented about 39 percent of all U.S. ATV sales in 2008 and that the new entrants sold about 83 percent of youth-sized models. According to the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, youth-sized models typically cost between $1,600 and $3,400 and adult-sized models typically cost between $2,300 and $13,700. A transition model costs between $3,200 and $3,350. However, we also found some youth-sized ATVs being sold via the Internet that were priced at less than $500. The Commission is an independent federal agency charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products, including ATVs. As part of its safety oversight responsibilities, the Commission regulates ATV performance to promote safe design practices and produces an annual report on fatalities and injuries. Commission staff told us they collect data on fatalities by reviewing death certificates collected from states, news reports, and other sources, and investigate, or attempt to investigate, every ATV fatality by examining official reports. In addition to counting the number of documented fatalities, because some ATV fatalities are n reported, Commission staff also estimate the number of fatalities. Moreover, because ATV fatalities may not be reported immediately, it normally takes 3 for a given year. years for Commission staff to receive data on fatalities In addition to collecting data on fatalities, Commission staff collect da on injuries from the agency’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, which is a national probability sample of hospitals in the Unite States and its territories. According to Commission staff, the agency’s estimated ATV injury data are current for that reporting year. ATV manufacturers that were submitted prior to August 14, 2008, and w grandfathered in, according to the statute, for a total of 37 “approved” plans. Commission staff told us they provide the U.S. Customs and Borde Patrol with the names of manufacturers and distributors with approved action plans so that companies without approved plans can be barred from importing their products into the United States. The mandatory standard defines youth-sized ATVs by their maximum speeds, rather than by engine size, as under the consent decree. Unde standard, maximum speed capabilities are provided for four types of youth-sized models. These capabilities depend on the rider’s age. In addition, the standard requires that all youth-sized models be equipped with a speed governor that limits the vehicle to a certain speed but can be adjusted or removed with the use of a tool or other specialized device that vehicle can then go faster. The standard addresses two types of maximum speed capabilities: (1) when a required speed governor is in use and (2) when the speed governor is disabled or removed. (See table 1.) For example, youth models designed for children 6 years of age and older are limited to a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour when the speed governor is used and 15 miles per hour when the governor is disabled. The standa he speed-limiting devices requires manufacturers to deliver ATVs with t adjusted for the respective youth categories. ATVs are primarily used for recreational purposes; however, ATVs are used for occupations such as farming; for government functions, such as policing and patrolling public lands; and for transportation in remote areas. Although we found little information that quantified the uses of ATVs and the advantages of their use, a survey of owners conducted by the Motorcycle Industry Council in 2008—according to Commission staff, the only recent national survey of ATV owners—indicated that 79 percent use their ATVs recreationally and that the most common recreational activities were pleasure riding and trail riding. (See fig. 4.) Owners also reported using their ATVs for other recreational activities such as hunting, camping, fishing, and racing. (See table 2.) The two types of ATVs available—sport and utility models—are used for specific recreational purposes. For example, sport ATVs are used for recreational trail riding and racing, while utility ATVs are used for activities such as camping because they are designed with cargo racks and can be fitted with attachments. One dealer told us that outdoors enthusiasts, such as campers and hunters, use ATVs because some outdoor areas cannot be reached with other four-wheel- drive vehicles, such as jeeps. He also said that ATVs can be easily towed and that some are light enough to be placed on a truck bed, allowing them to be transported to a trail or park and be packed with gear that otherwise could not be carried. In the owners’ survey, owners were asked to rank possible reasons for riding on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being “not important” and 10 being “very important.” Their top responses were having fun, enjoying the outdoors, and exploring hard to reach places. Owners also said that relaxation and family activity were important reasons for riding. (See table 3.) Other state-based surveys of ATV riders that we reviewed supported the results of the nationwide owners’ survey. For example, a 2005 survey of registered owners in Minnesota found that relaxation, being in a natural area, and being with friends and family were the most important advantages of ATV riding. In addition, a 2005 survey of ATV club members in New York found that riding with family and friends, relaxation, and viewing the scenery were some of the highest-rated advantages of ATV riding. Two officials from user groups told us that riding is a family activity and that ATVs have enabled a broader cross-section of the population, including older riders, to experience and appreciate the outdoors. We spoke with the owner of an ATV touring business in Alaska who told us that the company receives much of their business from families and travelers arriving on cruise ships who are seeking an easy way to see the Alaskan countryside. Although the owners’ survey indicated that most recreational riding occurs on private property, ATV trails and riding areas have been designated on federal, state, and private lands throughout the country. An official from the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, an organization that promotes the availability of trails for off-highway vehicles, including ATVs, told us that there are a number of riding locations, especially areas on private lands that have designated difficulty levels, ranging from ones designed for beginners to others for riders with more advanced skills. Trail managers told us that some of these trails have become popular destinations for groups of riders, particularly for families.