We have a choice in our country, we can: 1.) Educate our people to use good sense and logic in the use of our national resources; or 2.) Pass more laws and administrative "rules" to inflict greater penalties, fines, and imprisonment of those who abuse the national treasures we revere as wilderness.

There is an inherent goodness of most people.  It is not right or fair to people who use good sense and prudent judgment that they be further restricted because of the stupidity of those who make no effort or use no common sense to do the right thing.  Yet, that is the popular trend in our society.  Many believe that passing more laws forces greater compliance.  Rarely is this the case.  All it does in increase the number of criminal charges that can be levied against a person for acting unwisely.  This are typically only charged after some major calamity allegedly caused by such a person.

Fortunately, only small portions of our population are intentional evildoers.  This is true of every nation's citizens.  Unfortunately, it is the poor representation by these foolhardy folks that continue to make life difficult for the rest of us.  I suppose you may find this to be a form of social terrorism, where the illegal and imprudent activities of a very few dictate the rules that govern the masses.

I am generally not in favor of creating more rules, but prefer to educate our fellow ATV sportsmen and thus make new rules unnecessary.  When faced with a choice, the educated person will usually elect to do the right thing.  This is the most valuable principle in our society.  We can never pass enough laws to force compliance.  However,  we can educate and allow people to do the right thing on their own accord.

Therefore as a means of sharing valuable information I have prepared this "ATV University" so that people can become educated and not unwittingly be a part of the problem.

Studying this information will not earn you letters to place behind your name.  This is not an accredited or recognized learning institution at all.  It will give you the satisfaction that you have done all you can do to safely operate and thus enjoy your selected form of recreation.  It will also improve the experience of others you share the national resources with.

To attend the "U", just select the menu options at the left and when you've completed your way through the list of topics, you may be ready to buy and ride.  Thus you will be a safer rider and owners/managers of public and private lands will welcome you rather than restrict you from their property.

The choice is up to you.  No one is going to force you to do this.

This information should not be confused with or considered a replacement for obtaining formal instruction in the use of an ATV from the courses available from the ATV Safety Institute or the Department of Recreation of the State of Utah.

See also: Who should Certify?