Grim reminder of need for ATV safety training
August 30, 2010
An 11-year-old boy was killed in Portage la Prairie on Friday when the ATV he was driving flipped over. An 11-year-old passenger was thrown from the vehicle but was not injured.
This isn't the first serious ATV accident we've seen this summer involving a young driver. These tragedies draw attention to the dangers of off-road driving and the fact that safety precautions must be taken.
Riding off-road vehicles is hazardous no matter the driver or the terrain. However, it's especially hazardous for children, who don't have the strength, skills or experience to handle ATVs safely.
In Canada, nearly a quarter of all ATV-related deaths are among children under 15 years old. Kids under 15 also suffer more than a third of all serious injuries from ATV crashes.
Here are some tips to help improve your ATV safety:
- High speeds combined with uneven terrain can easily lead to rollovers. Be familiar with the trails you ride and keep your speed down.
- Most ATVs are meant to be used by a single driver. Passengers are not recommended as they affect the balance of the ATV and make it harder for the driver to stay in control.
- ATVs are like any other vehicle - drivers need training to stay safe.
Learn more
SSM's ATV safety training
Winnipeg Free Press article about ATV accident
ATV statistics and information from Caringforkids.ca