Off-highway helmet law now in effect

EDMONTON- As of today, drivers of off-highway vehicles in Alberta will be fined 155 dollars if they are caught not wearing a helmet while riding on public land.

There are a number of exemptions to the new Traffic Safety Act rules, including those who ride on private land or their own property.

The Department of Transportation says the province consulted with stakeholders to find what it calls the right balance for the legislation.

Don Voaklander, director of the Injury Prevention Centre at the University of Alberta, says there are about 16 deaths every year in the province involving off-highway vehicles, with another 600 people hospitalized.