A Saskatchewan organization wants the provincial government to immediately draw up an action plan to reduce deaths and injuries due to ATV use.
“It really is time to take action,” said John Meed, the general manager of the Saskatchewan All-Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA).
“We need the provincial government to take a leadership role on this issue or people will continue to die or be injured on their ATVs.”
“The current situation is simply intolerable and we need to start addressing it.”
SATVA wants the action plan to include funding for safety training and education programs, money for dedicated ATV trails, ATV registration to ensure proper enforcement and an overhaul of the ATV Act.
The renewed call comes after the seventh ATV-related death in the province this year. A 41-year-old man was killed on Saturday after the ATV he was driving rolled. Police believe alcohol was a factor.
READ MORE: Man dead after ATV crash in southeast Saskatchewan
There were five ATV-related deaths in 2014 and eight in 2013. Since 2009, SATVA says there have been 1,019 admissions to hospital for ATV injuries and said that number is even higher if it includes people who weren’t treated at hospital.
“We need to work together to create a safer community for ATV enthusiasts,” said Meed.
Watch below: Riding an ATV without a helmet one minute, needing assistance to live the next. Meaghan Craig brings us one woman’s struggle after suffering a brain injury.
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