North

Yukon doctors call for ATV regulations

Doctors in Yukon are calling for regulations around the use of all-terrain vehicles in the territory.

Helmet use and other rules are medical association priorities

Doctors in Yukon are calling for regulations around the use of all-terrain vehicles in the territory.

The doctors got together on the weekend for the annual meeting of the Yukon Medical Association.

Dr. Rao Tadepalli was returned as the organization’s president. He says the lack of ATV regulations in the territory is one of the group’s top concerns.

All terrain vehicle riders, members of the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia, head out on a trail ride in Middle Sackville, N.S. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. (Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press)

"We had a presentation, we had a discussion, and there were a number of health concerns with the inappropriate use of ATVs, and doctors are rightly concerned about the safe use," said Tadepalli.

Tadepalli says the association will ask the Yukon government for comprehensive legislation on ATV use, including helmet use regulations.

He says the doctors also passed a motion asking the government to enact recommendations from a task force on acute alcohol intoxication. It included a call for a downtown shelter with comprehensive treatment for substance abuse.

Dr. Bruce Beaton and James Allen released that report last year.