It’s time to take ATV safety seriously
May 11, 2011
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are more popular than ever in Alberta, but the number of serious injuries associated with their use has also increased.
According to the most recent statistics for Alberta, there were 100 ATV-¬related deaths in the province from 2002 to 2008, with 18 of those fatalities occurring to children under 16 years old.
The most frequent victims of ATV-related deaths were males between the ages of 20 and 34, and the leading cause of death was the ATV rolling or flipping, accounting for 52 percent of all fatalities.
Most injuries were related to speed, inexperience and alcohol consumption. Speed can be fatal when an operator loses control of the vehicle. An over-correction in steering can lead to an ATV being easily overturned.
Each ATV should be the right type and size for the person operating it and most ATVs are designed for a single operator. Passengers increase the risk of injury because they can affect the driver's control of the vehicle and their sense of balance. Children under the age of 16 should not operate any size of ATV because children generally lack the strength to control the vehicle and the skill and experience to quickly judge a potentially dangerous situation.
Although serious injury can result from the improper use of an ATV, drivers can develop safe riding skills. Practice the following safety measures:
- Wear an approved helmet with face and eye protection
- Drive Sober – alcohol, drugs and ATVs don’t mix
- Refuse to carry or be a passenger on an ATV built for one person
- Take an ATV operator training course
For more information on ATV safety and other injury prevention information, call Health Link at 1-866-408-LINK (5465) for health advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
