ATV couse in Donnelly held on May 2 at the Guy-Donnelly Sportex

People from around the region participated in the ATV Safety course last month. The course was targeted at riders who regularly use an ATV. This will enable them to understand safety procedures when driving all-terrain vehicles.

Emily Plihal
Smoky River Express

A safety course was 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.”

Nine people (a variety of ages and from various communities took the course. Individuals and families participated to show that safety is important no matter what your age or your experience.

There are a large number of ATV accidents across this province and residents of this region were given a chance to learn how to be safe and still enjoy the ride.

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