The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is reminding ATV riders of tips they can use to stay safe during the warm seasons. (Submitted photo/Saskatchewan Prevention Institute)

By Elliott Knopp

ATV Safety

Saskatchewan Prevention Institute reminding ATV riders of safety tips

Apr 12, 2021 | 2:13 PM

As conditions continue to clear up with spring right around the corner, the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute (SPI) is reminding residents to tread with caution and practice safe ATV use.

In a media release, SPI claimed there were 21 ATV-related deaths between 2015 and 2018. Additionally, ATV accidents are listed as the ninth highest cause of injuries resulting in hospitalizations for Saskatchewan youth with an average of 48 hospitalizations each year between 2004 and 2013.

Cara Zukewich, Child Injury Prevention Program Coordinator, mentioned several communities have inquired about ATV safety throughout the season, leading to a partnership with a brain injury organization to produce educational safety material.

“We’ve had a number of communities looking for information and presentations around ATV safety, and so there’s been a number of community leaders, particularly in the north, who have requested that type of information. We’ve partnered with SGI and the Acquired Brain Injury Partnership Project to provide them with education and prevention tips,” Zukewich said.

“With spring and nice weather coming, people are going to be out and about using nature. Farming season will begin and the agriculture industry certainly uses ATVs, so we just want to remind folks of what those important prevention tips are to prevent those injuries that can be life-altering.”

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SPI is advising ATV riders of the following safety tips they can use to help prevent serious injuries:

– Complete ATV rider training. Training courses are recommended to operators of all ages, regardless of experience.

– Keep ATVs in safe operating condition. ATV safety resources can be accessed on the SPI website.

– Follow traditional rules of the road and stay alerted to your surroundings.

– Wear protective equipment. Helmets and eye-protection is required by provincial law. Full-faced DOT approved off-road helmets are encouraged.

– Prepare travel plans. Ensure ATV safety, monitor weather and trail conditions, tell others where you are going and when you expect to be back and carry a cell phone on your person.

– Practice safe driving and avoid speeding, performing stunts and taking travel risks.

– Do not carry passengers unless the vehicle has been designed for it.

– Avoid operating the ATV while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Driving while impaired is illegal.

There are provincial laws in place that decide who can operate ATVs and where they can be used. According to the All Terrain Vehicles Act, people under the age of 16 are not permitted to operate ATVs unless they have completed ATV training and are accompanied by another rider who holds a valid driver’s licence.

Those who are looking to share ATV safety information with others can access an ATV safety power point presentation on the SPI website.

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Elliott.Knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp