Time to Start Thinking About ATV Safety Again

It's almost time to pack up the sleds and get the ATV's tuned up and ready for another season. As we know, Alberta see's a lot of injuries and fatalities from ATV accidents every year.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be a great source of fun for adventure seekers. These four-wheeled machines are designed for riding on uneven surfaces on off-road paths, and are useful for carrying loads and supplies. Though they are fun to ride and make carrying loads easier, ATVs are also dangerous. In fact, accidents tend to occur when young riders (generally under age 16 and male) fail to wear the right protective equipment while riding. To remain safe while operating an ATV, don’t forget these safety tips.

ATV Safety Guidlines

• Attend ATV instruction courses to learn more about operating your vehicle.
• Read the owner’s manual carefully before attempting to ride, and make sure that all riders understand how to remain safe.
• Never allow others to ride on an ATV with you.
• Do not carry attachments or loads unless you are trained on how to effectively drive the vehicle while carrying cargo.
• Never operate an ATV while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Do not ride on a public road or at night when motorists cannot see you as well.
• Wear a helmet that is designed specifically for riding an ATV. Helmets designed for cycling, skateboarding or rollerblading will not provide the necessary protection from falls because they cannot absorb enough energy upon impact when you hit the ground. A proper helmet should resist blows from sharp objects, stay in place as you ride and offer at least a little peripheral vision. Also wear the appropriate eye protection if your helmet does not have a face shield.
• Wear gloves to improve your grip on the controls and reduce the pressure from holding onto the handle bars.
• Wear boots to protect your feet and legs from debris and to maintain your footing. This will also help maintain your balance and control.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect your skin from cuts and scrapes.
• Scan ahead of you to identify hazards such as rocks, fallen branches, fences, wires and unstable surfaces.
• Be on guard for unexpected hazards such as wildlife and other riders.
• Drive at a moderate speed while taking weather conditions and the terrain into account.
• Shift your weight when making turns and riding up and down hills.