Safety precautions crucial for ATVs
Community
Posted By Kevin Rushworth, Reporter
Posted 1 month ago
As summer brings increased temperatures, travelers flock to Crowsnest Pass with their ATVs. Riding enthusiasts are encouraged to ride safely when using their off highway vehicles.
Through the Edmonton-based Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research—which provides support to people working in injury issues— a working group developed five key issues regarding ATV use in the province.
Sharon Schooler, projects co-ordinator and knowledge translation with the ACICR, said the organization encourages people to enjoy the trails but just to follow simple rules when doing so.
"We're not telling people to sit at home in their bubble baths," Schooler said. "Certainly, go out and have a good time and enjoy yourself on your ATVs, but just abide by the simple rules and we can reduce the risk of injury."
By wearing snug helmets with proper face and eye protection, riders protect their heads. From 2002 to 2009, head injuries caused 41 per cent of ATV related deaths to drivers and passengers in Alberta, according to Schooler.
Secondly, Schooler stressed the importance of sizing the rider with the correct vehicle. She said youth under 16 should never ride an adult all terrain vehicle and should ride one intended for their age, weight and maturity.
She said most vehicles are intended for one rider as the full seat is needed for steering and keeping the machine upright. For Schooler and other organizations, she stressed zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs when operating any motor vehicle.
"Some researchers have shown that alcohol may be one of the most pervasive risk factors associated with all terrain vehicle related injuries," she said.
In Canada during 2004 and 2005, alcohol was a key factor in 38.7 per cent of severe ATV related trauma incidents. Between 2002 and 2009, 83 out of 96 individuals involved in Alberta's fatal ATV collisions were tested for alcohol. Out of those tested, it was found that 46 out of the 83 fatal accident victims or 55 per cent tested positive for alcohol use according to Schooler.
"Some research has found that even small amounts of alcohol can increase the likelihood that an ATV user will be involved in a collision and sustain an injury," she said.
Corporal Kevin McKenna with the Crowsnest Pass RCMP said ATV accidents are typically caused by people driving beyond their abilities or beyond what the vehicle is built to do.
For him, alcohol use is just as dangerous on a quad as in a motor vehicle. Operating an ATV under the influence of alcohol is the same impaired driving offense, he said.
"If you start drinking, your reaction time slows down," he said. "Your balance (worsens) and you need a lot of balance on quads. Your ability to operate a motor vehicle is just as impaired on a quad as it is in a motor vehicle."
A major issue for the RCMP is finding lost or injured quad operators. McKenna said it is important to plan the ride and then ride the plan. If they become injured, RCMP and members of the Crowsnest Pass Rescue Squad know where to look.
Issues arise when people either don't make a plan or when they change their mind mid -ride and do not pay heed to their plans, he said. As well, McKenna stressed the importance of taking an ATV training course.
Richard Reeves, Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad member and registered ATV trainer, was tired of seeing people injured when riding quads and became an instructor registered with the Alberta Safety Council.
"When we moved here five years ago, I acquired a quad," he said. "I went out three times and every time I went out, I ended up on my side. I don't ride fast; I was riding incorrectly."
No matter which way you are going on a quad, Reeves said it is important to keep the weight uphill. He stressed the importance of taking the training, practicing the training and passing the information onto others.
Although manufacturer labels state that riders should be operating quads according to their age, weight and maturity, Reeves said he sees children time after time riding quads too powerful for their age.
"If we can save the life of just one child, then my job is done," he said. "When I'm teaching kids, I don't charge. I don't charge the family any money to do a course to teach kids."
It is his hope and others for children to teach their parents about improper riding. If individuals are interested in taking the course through the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad, contact the office at (403) 562-8686. However, Reeves cannot teach non-members, but there are others who can.
