ATV Safety Week kicks into gear in Saskatchewan

ATV Safety Week kicks off this week, and the general manager of the Saskatchewan All-Terrain Vehicle Association wants to remind people of some critical tips.

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Meed said it's a chance to remind drivers to ride safely, meaning wearing the proper equipment — helmet, gloves, goggles and footwear — and to not drink and drive.

"ATVs, by their very nature, are going to be going over rough terrain so you need all your faculties to do the manoeuvring," he said.

Impaired driving and speeding remain the two main factors that cause  ATV accidents, he said, adding that many accidents involve a vehicle being flipped.

Tips for driving a quad safely include:

• Don't drive alone, or at least tell someone when you're going for a ride and when you will return.
• Don't attempt any tricky manoeuvres you're not trained on how to do.
• Don't speed or drive while impaired.
• Wear a helmet and proper safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles.

"I'd like to think we're getting that safety message out. People are understanding that, you know, one bad decision, one bad idea can be tragic," Meed said.

On May 31, a 63-year-old man died after his ATV went out of control on a gravel road near Kendal, Sask.

Meed said that three people died in quadding accidents in the province last year, which is an improvement from 2015, which saw nine people killed — a record-high number. 

Group wants mandatory safety course

The association has lobbied the government to make ATV training courses mandatory, Meed said.

Currently, anyone who is 16 and older with a driver's licence can operate a quad. Training is only required for someone between 12 and 15 who wants to ride unsupervised. 

Meed said the association will be promoting safety tips throughout the week.