Safety program targets young ATVers

Nova Scotia now has 66 pint-sized all-terrain-vehicles for children to train on.

The province, in partnership with ATV makers, bought the machines to teach children between the ages of 6 and 15 how to use them safely.

"A lot of bad habits are in place with [off-road vehicle] operators right now and its part of our job to encourage them to change a little bit," said Wayne Rock, president of the ATV Association of Nova Scotia.

The children will also learn the rules of ATV driving and the appropriate places to go.

Ultimately, it's hoped there will be fewer accidents involving young people in Nova Scotia.

The program can do "nothing but good," said Farina Gabbani, a spokeswoman for Health Promotion and Protection.

The government is spending about $230,000 on the machines and trailers. Taxpayers will also give $30,000 to the ATV association to run the safety programs, while manufacturers are kicking in another $100,000. 

The machines will be sent around the province.