A new initiative launched by the University of Georgia and supported by a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety aims to improve roadway safety education for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility task vehicle (UTV) operators in rural communities.
With many Georgia residents relying on these off-highway vehicles for farming, recreation and transportation, the $157,000 project has launched a comprehensive public outreach and training program to help reduce preventable crashes on rural roadways.
“We are grateful for the support of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety,” said Glen Rains, agricultural engineer and professor in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). “This grant allows us to deliver much-needed safety resources and hands-on training that can save lives. Our goal is to ensure that riders of all ages understand the risks and adopt safer practices on and around rural roads.”
Projects like the ATV/UTV safety initiative help support the UGA’s land-grant mission of teaching, research and public service, extending university knowledge to benefit all Georgians through agriculture, economic development, 4-H and community support. The ATV/UTV initiative is led by CAES and the UGA Center on Human Development and Disability within the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
The program includes training events and outreach efforts scheduled throughout the upcoming year. Learn more about the ATV/UTV safety initiative at farmagain.com/gohs.
