ATV safety tips to enjoy the long weekend

As May Long weekend approaches, reminders of ATV safety are being repeated to make sure residents can have a fun, but safe, experience.

AHS has released a series of safety tips for off-highway vehicle use, including saying that those 16 and younger shouldn’t operate them.

However, if they do drive an ATV, they are urged to keep these tips in mind.

• Wear a proper-fitting, safety-approved helmet when operating an ATV. In addition to a helmet, wear a jacket, long pants, goggles, boots and gloves. 
• Learn or refresh your ability to use controls, ride terrain, turn and climb hills by taking an ATV operator course.  
• Don’t use alcohol or other drugs before or while riding.  
• Check that your ATV is in good working condition (e.g. brakes, safety equipment, avoid using three-wheeled ATVs) and equipped with an appropriate headlamp.  
• Don’t be a passenger or carry a passenger on a single-person ATV. 
• Be aware of hazards around you and ride during daylight hours.  
• Follow posted signs, stay on the trails, and be aware of the weather and trail conditions.  
• Take a cellphone or working two-way radio with you, as well as a first-aid kit. Let people know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

Between 2015 and 2020, children and youth in Alberta have experienced ATV-related injuries leading to ED/UCC, hospitalization and death. 

AHS said there has been just over 6900 ATV emergency room and urgent care visits in the province since 2015, including 563 hospitalizations for those 16 and under, and 13 deaths.

Visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca for more information on ATV safety and injury prevention.