Safety first; Local instructor teaches the basics of ATV use, safety

MAT-SU — A summer does not pass without stories of ATV accidents.

Tales of bruises, bumps, and breaks, and accounts of damage to both the human body and expensive all terrain vehicles.

But each summer, John Rogan works to ensure that recollections of riding four-wheelers involve only happy endings.

Rogan, an instructor for the ATV Safety Institute of America, hosts a number of ATV safety courses throughout the summer in the Mat-Su Valley.

“It’s extremely important for beginners, but even experienced riders can learn from taking the course,” Rogan said.

Rogan said he’ll host anywhere from 15-30 courses each summer, which last about four hours each and cover 16 different sets of lessons for riders both young and old.

And the beauty of his course, it’s free for anyone who buys a new ATV.

“If you purchase a brand new machine, you’re eligible to take the course,” Rogan said. “You and a family member.”

Rogan said virtually all of the big name manufactures — such as Honda and Yamaha — offer the deal. Some, such as Honda, Rogan said will even give the buyer a rebate if they take the course.

Those who have not recently purchased an ATV can also take the course, but at a cost of $125. Rogan said many of his students are owners of new ATVs.

He said children as young as 6 and folks as old as 80 have participated in the courses he’s been teaching in the Valley for the last seven years.

An ATV enthusiast for about the last 25 years, Rogan said he flew to California seven years ago to become a certified instructor. As a student, he flies to California every other year to take a refresher course. As the instructor, Rogan teaches Alaskans topics ranging from ATV safety to basic riding skills.

“We talk a lot about safety gear,” Rogan said. “The most important thing is being familiar with your machine.”

Rogan said students learn how to properly drive in a straight line and an oval, as well as learning how to ride in figure eights with other riders.

Students also learn how to properly use their ATV’s breaks, make emergency stops and get over, or through, obstacles.

“We do a lot of talking to boost their confidence, and we’re very rider active,” Rogan said. “The more practice, the more familiar you are with the machine, the better time you have.”

Rogan said he also covers the local and state laws that pertain to ATVs, and riding your rig safely in the winter.

“We talk to them about hidden obstacles, getting stuck in the snow,” Rogan said.

Rogan said the course does not dig in to the mechanics of the ATV too deeply, simply because many of the ATVs are different.

“We do cover how to make sure the machine is ready to ride,” he said.

Rogan said he will most likely not host another course again this year, but for those who are interested in attending the course next spring can call 1-800-887-ATVS (2887) or see www.atvsafety.org.

Rogan will occasionally speak on the topic of ATV safety at various functions or at local schools.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.