Safety Update

Safety Update: All Terrain Vehicles: The Statistics in Alberta

Thousands of deaths each year are the result of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) incidents. These incidents usually result in injuries ending in death or permanent physical damage to include spinal cord and brain injuries/head trauma. 

Statistically, ATV crashes are due in part to irresponsible practices, inattention and inexperience. In addition, it has been determined that a vast majority of ATV operators do not wear a helmet – a primary safety requirement for the operation of ATVs. 

In Alberta, over the past 5 years there has been a steady increase in the number of ATV related fatalities. In fact, between 2002-2008, there were 100 ATV related deaths with 52% of incidents being attributed to rolls or flips. The second leading cause of death was from striking an object such as a tree.  The highest number of deaths was between the ranges of 20 and 34 years of age and 59% of those tested positive for alcohol consumption. Sixty percent of those killed were not wearing helmets and 89% were males. 

The most staggering statistics were noted between 2005-2006 as, during this time frame, there was an 83% increase in ATV related deaths. Ten of these incidents were children under the age of 16. 

Transportation Ministry spokesman Jerry Bellikka deems change to be a daunting task due to the fact that limitations cannot be put into practice for ATV operators on private land. He also mentioned that the province has discussed measures with off-road associations to consider mandatory ATV training for operators, but the government would not try to enforce a minimum age for driving ATVs as it would be difficult to enforce. 

Another authority in the plight for change, Dr. Franscescutti, director of the Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research (ACICR) suggested the need for cultural change in the community because “People have a tendency to view these ... incidents as accidents as opposed to saying, 'What is going on in our society that is allowing this madness to continue?'” 

The fact of the matter is that ATVs are still being purchased and that controls need to be engaged on some level to prevent the number of injuries and deaths noted in the statistical analysis. The purchase of ATVs has increased substantially in recent years. In 2006, approximately 89,000 ATVs were sold in Canada and the number of new sales for ATVs in Alberta alone increased 125% between 2000 and 2006. 

So, how can we as a community embrace change to ensure our children, family members and co-workers understand how to safely operate ATVs? The following ATV Injury Prevention Tips were suggested by the ACICR for operators in order to foster awareness and change: 

• Children/youth under 16 years of age should not operate an adult ATV. Ensure your child/youth only rides an ATV that is appropriate for their age, weight, and maturity.
• Follow manufacturers’ recommendations for your ATV.
• Wear a CSA approved helmet with face and eye protection.
• Do not consume alcohol or use drugs before or during ATV operation.
• Do not carry a passenger on an ATV built for one person.
• Take an ATV operator training course. 

For additional information please visit the Alberta Off-highway Vehicle Association.  If you are interested in ATV training contact Safety Man Canada Ltd.

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