Podcast Summary: New York Farm Bureau News Bytes Episode #7: Interview with Kristen Ulmer from RideSafe Foundation on ATV Safety Release Date: May 23, 2024

Introduction and Importance of ATV Safety

In Episode #7 of the New York Farm Bureau's "News Bytes," host Steve Ammerman opens the discussion by highlighting the prevalence and dual nature of ATVs and UTVs on New York farms. While these vehicles are indispensable for both work and recreation, they pose significant dangers when misused.

Key Points:

• Prevalence of ATVs/UTVs: Common on New York farms for both utility and leisure.
• Safety Concerns: Despite their benefits, they are one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on farms.
• Life-Saving Information: The podcast aims to educate listeners on preventing ATV-related tragedies.

Notable Quote:

"ATVs and UTVs like side by Sides can be found on most farms across New York. They're great for work and fun, but they can also be dangerous. And today's podcast could save your life."
— [00:03] Steve Ammerman

Introduction to Kristen Ulmer and Her Background

Kristen Ulmer, a seasoned consultant in the motorsports industry with over three decades of experience, is introduced as a leading advocate for ATV safety. Her extensive background includes working with athletes, race teams, and manufacturers, giving her a comprehensive understanding of ATVs and the inherent safety protocols.

Key Points:

• Professional Expertise: Kristen specializes in sponsorship and has deep connections within the racing and motorsports industries.
• Passion for Safety: Her commitment to safety stems from both professional insights and personal tragedy.

Notable Quote:

"Safety is so critical to everything that our athletes do that they almost don't talk about it."
— [03:17] Kristen Ulmer

Kristen Ulmer’s Personal Story: The Tragic Loss of Logan

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Kristen shares the heartbreaking story of her 11-year-old nephew, Logan, who died in an ATV accident. This personal loss propelled her to establish the Ride Safe Foundation to advocate for greater ATV safety, especially for children.

Key Points:

• Accident Details: Logan accessed an adult-sized ATV without proper training or safety gear, leading to a fatal accident.
• Impact of Loss: The tragedy affected Kristen’s entire family, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures.
• Formation of Ride Safe Foundation: Driven by Logan’s death, Kristen founded the organization to prevent similar incidents.

Notable Quotes:

"Logan was 11 years old... he stepped outside and he was able to start that machine and he did essentially what we, in the motorcycle industry, call whiskey throttling... he was killed instantly."
— [05:19] Kristen Ulmer

"Three minutes changed your family's life dramatically, obviously, taking your sweet nephew's life. And that's how quickly something can go wrong on one of these machines."
— [09:42] Unknown Host

Alarming Statistics and Factors Contributing to ATV Fatalities

Kristen delves into the statistics surrounding ATV-related fatalities, emphasizing that children are disproportionately affected. She outlines the common factors that lead to these tragedies, providing a stark reality of the risks involved.

Key Points:

• Fatality Numbers: Between 1982 and 2018, there were 15,744 ATV-related fatalities in the U.S., with over 4,000 being children 15 and under.
• Common Factors:
  • Lack of helmet use (90%)
  • Absence of safety certification (95%)
  • Use of adult-sized machines by children (92-97%)
  • Rollovers (63%)
  • Riding on roads or shoulders (70%)

Notable Quotes:

"One in every five ATV-related fatality is a child. One in every five."
— [15:23] Kristen Ulmer

"Imagine a 12-year-old on an adult-sized ATV. These machines weigh anywhere from 500 to 1500 pounds."
— [22:08] Kristen Ulmer

Preventative Measures and Recommendations

Kristen provides actionable steps to mitigate the risks associated with ATV use, particularly for children. She emphasizes the importance of secure storage, proper training, appropriate equipment, and supervision.

Key Points:

• Secure Storage: Always store ATV keys in a safe location to prevent unauthorized use by children.
• Safety Certification: Ensure that riders, especially children, complete safety certification before operating an ATV.
• Protective Gear: Mandatory use of helmets and other safety gear significantly reduces fatality risks.
• Appropriate Equipment: Children should not use adult-sized ATVs; instead, they should have age and size-appropriate vehicles.
• Supervision: Never allow children to ride alone; adult supervision is crucial to respond in case of an accident.

Notable Quotes:

"The first thing you do is ask yourself, where is that key? Put the key in a safe, you know, area like you would if you've got firearms."
— [28:29] Kristen Ulmer

"If they don't have seat belts on, don't allow it, don't ever put children in the cargo hold of a machine ever."
— [22:08] Kristen Ulmer

Collaboration with Nationwide Insurance and Future Initiatives

The Ride Safe Foundation partners with Nationwide Insurance to spearhead the "Let's Champion Ride Safety" campaign. This collaboration aims to spread awareness, provide resources, and implement safety programs nationwide to prevent ATV-related accidents.

Key Points:

• Nationwide Partnership: Leveraging Nationwide's resources to amplify safety messages and reach a broader audience.
• Educational Programs: Leading school presentations and developing online resources to educate children directly.
• Resource Accessibility: Kristen urges listeners to visit ridesafefoundation.org for comprehensive safety information and support.
• Call for Support: The foundation seeks volunteers and financial support to expand its safety initiatives and events.

Notable Quotes:

"We have the Ride Safe Foundation. It's ridesafefoundation.org and we've got some resources on there... just go in there and start reading on it your own."
— [29:09] Kristen Ulmer

"We're going to go directly to kids, give them this message, put helmets on their heads, teach them all the equipment safety and then we don't have to worry about them now."
— [31:13] Kristen Ulmer

Conclusion and Call to Action

The podcast concludes with Kristen reinforcing the critical nature of ATV safety and urging listeners to take proactive steps to protect their families. She emphasizes that awareness and proper safety measures can prevent unnecessary tragedies.

Key Points:

• Urgent Message: Safety conversations should not be perceived as restrictive but as essential measures to protect loved ones.
• Proactive Prevention: Identifying and addressing risk factors can save lives and prevent emotional and financial devastation.
• Ongoing Efforts: The Ride Safe Foundation remains dedicated to expanding its reach and impact, encouraging community involvement and support.

Notable Quotes:

"Just because it hasn't happened doesn't mean it can't happen. And just because you think that your child doesn't ride doesn't mean they're never going to encounter this equipment."
— [34:09] Kristen Ulmer

"When you see these storm clouds gathering, you stop and you say no. And then you make sure that they have everything they need."
— [34:09] Kristen Ulmer

Final Thoughts

Steve Ammerman wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of ATV safety and directing listeners to the Ride Safe Foundation’s website for more information. He underscores that simple safety measures can have life-saving consequences.

Final Quote:

"Just some simple steps and thinking about safety before you climb on board an ATV or side by side really could save your life or the life of someone you care about."
— [35:09] Steve Ammerman

Resources:

• Ride Safe Foundation Website: ridesafefoundation.org
• Nationwide Insurance: Partnering with Ride Safe Foundation on safety campaigns.

Closing Note:

This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the inherent risks associated with ATV and UTV usage, especially among children. Through Kristen Ulmer’s heartfelt testimony and the compelling statistics presented, listeners are encouraged to take immediate and informed actions to ensure the safety of their families and communities.