As part of ATV Safety Week from June 6-14, the Saskatchewan All-Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA) is launching a province-wide awareness campaign called Know Your Limits to help Saskatchewan residents understand their limits while operating an ATV as they off-road for transportation, recreation or work purposes.
Unfortunately, we’ve found that there are some ATVers who simply don’t understand their limitations while ATVing – whether they are seasoned veterans or newcomers – and they put themselves and others in potential dangerous situations.
For children, picking an age-appropriate vehicle is crucial because children do not possess the physical development to safely drive large ATVs or the cognitive ability to react to potentially dangerous situations. It is recommended that children ride “age appropriate” ATVs: vehicles with an engine size no greater than 70cc for children under 12 years of age; vehicles with an engine size no greater than 90cc for children under 16 years of age. It is also recommended that children – and ATVers of all ages for that matter – take an ATV safety course to teach and refresh safety skills.
There are a number of ways in which people can practice ATV safety before even hitting the trails. The first involves designating an emergency contact and carrying a cell phone or walkie talkie in the event of an emergency. The other involves wearing the proper safety gear: helmet, gloves, ankle boots, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Once ATVing, don’t speed, attempt tricky manoeuvres, or drive on roads and streets (except to cross the road or go around obstacles), because these activities will increase the risk of an accident. Furthermore, we are encouraging ATVers to not carry passengers. Adding a passenger to a quad designed for one rider can change the dynamics of the machine and cause a roll over.
Of course, drinking and then riding places one of the biggest limitation people riding an ATV. Drinking reduces a rider’s reaction time and impairs their judgement – not to mention the fact operating an ATV on public or private property while impaired is illegal.
I hope everyone will understand their limits this ATV season and enjoy safe riding. During ATV Safety Week from June 6-14 SATVA is encouraging everyone to talk with family and friends about ATV safety.
If you know your limits, there’s no limit to the fun you can have while ATVing.
For more information, visit www.satva.ca.
Respectfully,
John Meed
General Manager
Saskatchewan All-Terrain Vehicle Association
