Albertans urged to be safe as possible on ATVs this summer

This includes ATVs marketed as ‘child-sized’.

Albertans 16 years of age and older are urged to take the following precautions to ensure their ATV excursions are as safe as possible:

Get trained- Before you hit the trails, get formal hands-on training from a recognized/trained ATV instructor. Don’t be shy about refreshing your training seasonally.

Wear the gear- Always wear a helmet. As of May 15, 2017, CSA-compliant helmets must be worn by OHV users when riding on public land, but a helmet worn every ride can save your life. From 2002 to 2013, 41 per cent of ATV-rider deaths in Alberta were due to head injuries. In 77 per cent of these head injury deaths, the ATV riders were not wearing a helmet. In addition to a helmet, always wear a jacket, long pants, goggles, boots and gloves.

Look first- Be sure you’re aware of the weather forecast, fire outlook/potential, and any hazards (geographical, animal or human) or risks that the trail(s) could pose. Ensure your ATV is equipped with an appropriate head lamp.

Buckle up- Be sure you’re fastened in properly and that all gear and equipment (including your ATV restraints) are in proper working condition before you hit the trails.

Drive sober- Don’t drink or do drugs before or while operating an ATV: 55 percent of those who died in ATV crashes between 2002 and 2013 tested positive for alcohol.

Seek help- Before you head out on the trail, let others know where you’re going and when they should expect you back. Take a cellphone or working radio with you, as well as a first aid-kit.

Visit www.ahs.ca/injuryprevention.asp for more information on ATV safety and injury prevention.

(Gary McKinnon)

by Gary McKinnon

Albertans urged to be safe as possible on ATVs this summer

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