ATV Rider course available May 2 in Donnelly

Emily Plihal
Smoky River Express

A safety course will be provided on May 2 for all interested ATV riders in the area.

The course is being provided by Peace River Safety Training from Peace River and will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“We decided to offer the program as a follow-up to the Rural Family Farm Safety day at the trade show in March,” says organizer Sandy Primeau. “One of the games had a quad in it at the trade show, and we thought a course in ATV safety would be a great idea to hold in the region.”

Primeau explains ATV accident incidents in Canada are extraordinarily common. She explains learning the proper techniques on an ATV can prevent injury or even death.

In fact, in 2003 reports were made saying hospitalisation due to ATV accidents had risen upwards of 50 per cent from the year. This is a trend that has been continually growing over the past ten years.

“If we can prevent some injuries from quad accidents by providing this course then every penny is worth it,” says Primeau. “ATV injuries are very high in Alberta. My concern is that people can just go out and buy an ATV, bring it home and ride it without any instruction.”

The safety course will provide instruction in safe riding practices, strategies and risk awareness, personal protective equipment and knowing your ATV, riding on hills and different terrain, transporting materials, winching and ATV attachments, transporting your vehicle, and environmental considerations and issues.

All interested participants in the course must bring their own ATVs and safety gear to the course.

Primeau explains students will be riding their quads during the course to learn the proper techniques.

“A variety of resources will be used during the day,” says Primeau. “A combination of lectures, DVDs, handouts and workbooks, as well as hands-on riding will be provided.”

The course is being sponsored by Smoky River Safety Council and Family and Community Support Services.

The ATV Rider Course is a certified course. Upon completion, each student will receive a workbook, certificate and first aid kit.

The course is being heavily subsidized by Smoky River Children’s Safety and Smoky River Safety Council.

Instructors will also be provided by Peace River Safety Council.

“We need family participation because parents are the greatest influence and role model for their children,” says Primeau. “The children are more likely to utilize the training if their parents take the course with them and actually use the information they’ve been taught.”

Cost for the course is $25 for a youth, ages 12 – 17. Adults will have to pay $50 for the day. Family rates are also available: one adult with three youth will cost $110, two adults with two youth will cost $135. Primeau explains this rate is substantially lower than it would be as an independent course.

Primeau reminds potential students that they must bring their own lunches to the course. Beverages will be provided.

For more information or to register for the course, please contact Sandy at 780-837-2786.

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