CALGARY – Ahead of the upcoming Victoria Day long weekend, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is urging parents to ensure their children aren’t using ATVs if they’re under the age of 16.
“Children less than 16 years of age have not yet developed to the point of having the strength, skills or judgment needed to operate an ATV,” says Medical Officer of Health for the Calgary Zone Dr. Richard Musto. “This includes ATVs marketed as child-sized.”
Over 300 youth were injured in ATV accidents between April 1st, 2014 and March 31st, including 40 children who were injured badly enough they had to be admitted to hospital.
Of those 40 children, two passed away due to the severity of their injuries.
In addition, in the month between April 19th and May 10th, 2015, officials say a total of 18 children visited hospitals in Calgary and Edmonton for ATV injuries, including one who died.
Combined, that adds to three children who died in Alberta between April 1st, 2014 and May 10th, 2015.
“The data illustrates a devastating trend,” adds Musto.
“These needless injuries and deaths can be stopped.”
Albertans 16 years of age and older are reminded to take the following precautions to ensure their ATV excursions are as safe as possible:
- Get Trained – Before you hit the trails, get formal hands-on training from a recognized/trained ATV instructor. Don’t be shy about refreshing your training seasonally.
- Wear the Gear – A helmet can save your life: from 2002 – 2011, 44 per cent of ATV-rider deaths in Alberta were due to head injuries. In 77 per cent of these head injury deaths, the ATV riders were not wearing a helmet. In addition to a helmet, always wear a jacket, long pants, goggles, boots and gloves.
- Look First – Be sure you’re aware of the weather forecast, fire outlook/potential, and any hazards (geographical, animal or human) that the trail(s) you’re on could pose.
- Buckle Up – Be sure that you’re fastened in properly, and that all gear and equipment (including your ATV restraints) are in proper working condition before you hit the trails.
- Drive Sober – Don’t drink or do drugs before or while operating an ATV. Fifty-four per cent of those who died in ATV crashes between 2002 and 2011 tested positive for alcohol.
- Seek Help – Before you head out on the trail, let others know where you’re going and when they should expect you back. This helps your loved ones know when to call for help if you’ve been gone too long. Take a cell phone or working radio with you, as well as a first aid kit. Never hesitate to call for help if you’re stuck, have damaged your ATV, or are injured.
For more information on ATV safety and injury prevention in Alberta, visit http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/injuryprevention.asp.
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