ATV safety urged ahead of long weekend

“These needless injuries and deaths can be stopped.”

As Albertans gear up for the August long weekend, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding all residents, and particularly parents of children and youth less than 16 years of age, to be mindful of the significant risks associated with the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

“We know that children and youth less than 16 years of age may not yet have the experience, physical size and strength, or fully developed motor and cognitive skills required to operate an ATV, and this includes ATVs marketed as ‘child or youth-sized,’ ” says South Zone Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karin Goodison. “Sadly, our recent pediatric data show how unsafe it is for children and youth to drive or ride on ATVs.”


This year, between May 1 and July 26, 38 Albertan children have been injured on ATVs. Of those, 14 were injured severely enough to be admitted to either the Stollery Children’s Hospital or Alberta Children’s Hospital, and two died from their injuries.

“The data illustrates a devastating trend and one that we’ve seen for far too many years. One injured child is too many, yet from April 2013 through March 2014, more that 350 children and youth under the age of 17 were seen in Alberta’s emergency departments for ATV-related injuries. From 2002 to 2011, 23 children and youth under the age of 16 died,” says Dr. Goodison.

“These needless injuries and deaths can be stopped.”

AHS advises all parents of children and youth less than 16 years of age to ensure their child does not drive or ride on an ATV.

Albertans 16 years of age and older are reminded to take the following precautions to ensure their ATV excursions are as safe as possible:

• Get Trained - Before you hit the trails, get formal hands-on training from a recognized or trained ATV instructor. Don’t be shy about refreshing your training seasonally. 
• Wear the Gear - A helmet can save your life: from 2002 to 2011, 44 per cent of ATV-rider deaths in Alberta were due to head injuries. In 77 per cent of these head injury deaths, the ATV riders were not wearing a helmet. In addition to a helmet, always wear a jacket, long pants, goggles, boots and gloves. 
• Look First - Be sure you’re aware of the weather forecast and any hazards (geographical, animal or human) that the trail could pose. 
• Buckle Up - Be sure you’re fastened in properly, and all gear and equipment (including your ATV restraints) are in proper working condition before you hit the trails. 
• Drive Sober - Don’t drink or do drugs before or while operating an ATV. Of those who died in ATV crashes between 2002 and 2011, 54 per cent tested positive for alcohol. 
• Seek Help - Before you head out on the trail, let others know where you’re going and when they should expect you back. This helps your loved ones know when to call for help if you’ve been gone too long. Take a cellphone or working radio with you, as well as a first-aid kit. Never hesitate to call for help if you’re stuck, have damaged your ATV, or are injured.