The provincial government has introduced a new law for ATV riders this week that would see them need to wear helmets when driving on public land.
Officials say the amendment is aimed at saving lives and money as well as bring Alberta in line with the rest of Canada.
Currently, our province is the only one in the country that doesn’t require all riders to wear helmets.
That is costing lives and the health care system, officials say.
On average, 19 people are killed every year in ATV and snowmobile crashes in Alberta. There are also 100 major traumas caused by those incidents, including 30 serious brain injuries.
Officials say that between six and eight of those head injuries eventually lead to death.
The new law, however, is expected to save about four lives every year.
As for the costs for health care, statistics show that an estimated $50M every year is spent on direct and indirect health care expenses from ATV use.
The law, the government says, will give authorities more power in enforcing against dangerous ATV use.
“If the Bill passes the house, it will make helmet use mandatory for anyone in Alberta operating an OHV on public land,” said Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation. “While the government recommends anyone riding in any place for any purpose wears a helmet, the helmet requirement will only apply to people riding on public land.”
The legislation is limited to recreational riders on public lands, so farmers and ranchers who use OHV for chores will not be affected.
Other provinces have more in-depth legislation, but the new law is being described as similar to laws in effect in Saskatchewan.
The government hopes to have the law in place by next May.
(With files from Bill Macfarlane)
