WHEREAS, Alaska is a state with many outdoor recreational opportunities that attract residents and visitors to a world-class setting; and
WHEREAS, these opportunities include winter and summer activities, such as hiking, hunting, mountaineering, skiing, snow machining, mushing, and ATV/Off-Highway vehicle operation; and
WHEREAS, the operation and use of ATV/Off-Highway vehicles is a common aspect of life in Alaska, so residents and visitors should understand the risks associated with operation and the personal protection equipment necessary for safety; and
WHEREAS, Alaska has the nation’s highest rate of deaths by traumatic brain injury, as reported by the Alaska Department of Health and the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and said rate is more than twice the national average; and
WHEREAS, many of the incidents that lead to traumatic brain injuries are related to the popularity of outdoor recreational activities that carry a particularly high risk of head injury, such as riding on or operating an ATV/Off-Highway vehicle; and
WHEREAS, Alaskans benefit from ATV/Off-Highway vehicle and general outdoor safety educational programs, such as those provided by the ATV Safety Institute and Alaska Safe Riders, because it is important for Alaskans to know how to mitigate the risk for serious injury and what to do if they or someone they are with experiences an injury; and
WHEREAS, by increasing awareness of ATV, UTV (Side-by-Side) and other Off-Highway vehicle safety through educational programs, we can work toward ending preventable traumatic brain injuries and other unintentional injuries and deaths related to Off-Highway vehicle operation in Alaska.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim July 2023 as:
ATV/Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Awareness Month
in Alaska, and encourage Alaskans of all ages and skill levels to safely enjoy outdoor recreation and travel by equipping themselves with proper safety equipment and information.
Dated: July 1, 2023
