The Mid-Plains Center for Enterprise will launch a free Youth ATV Training on Aug. 1 at the North Platte Community College North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive in North Platte.

There are two sessions to choose from: 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Classes will be divided by age group, 6-9 and 10-16. Six students from each age group will be allowed in each session.

“We’ve had great interest so far,” said Angela Raby, area director of the Center for Enterprise.

“Seats are filling up fast. We’ve had some great help from local businesses and associations in spreading the word.”

The curriculum, developed by Central States Safety Driver Training, will consist of a combination of safety instruction and guided, hands-on ATV operation. Participants will practice turns, stops and terrain navigation.

Instruction topics will include ATV injury and fatality statistics, how ATV size can contribute to rollover injuries and fatalities, the dangers of carrying passengers and material on ATVs, risks of traveling on public roads and safety procedures and practices.

Those who complete the program successfully will receive a certificate that aligns with insurance company requirements.

ATVs in different sizes will be used during the trainings. Parents must stay for classes attended by children younger than 10.

Other requirements include:

• Closed-toe footwear (preferably over the ankle)
• Long, non-flare pants
• A long-sleeved shirt or jacket
• Approved eye protection (will be provided if a participant does not have any)
• A helmet (will be provided if a participant doesn’t have one)

Several other ATV training dates have been scheduled, including:

 

• Sept. 12, Red Willow County Fairgrounds Community Building, McCook
• Sept. 19, Chase County Fairgrounds, Imperial
• Sept. 26, Nebraska Department of Roads, 307 East D St., Ogallala
• Oct. 3, Valentine (location to be determined)
• Oct. 10, Custer County Fairgrounds, Broken Bow
• Space is limited in all the classes. People can register by calling (308) 535-3678.

The trainings are possible thanks to a more than $24,000 grant from the CHS Foundation, of Inver Grove Heights, Minn. The money is administered through the NPCC Foundation.