Upcoming Victoria Day weekend prompts ATV safety warning from province
It may only be Monday but many Albertans are no doubt already looking ahead to the upcoming May long weekend.
It's with that in mind the province is asking people to prioritize safety if their weekend plans include use of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
"ATVs pose a risk to all users — and particularly those under 16 years of age, who have not yet developed the strength, skills or judgment needed to safely operate an ATV," said a Monday news release from Alberta Health Services. "The risk of serious injury is high."
According to the government, Alberta saw 6,908 ATV-related emergency room and urgent care visits between 2015 and 2020.
During that same time, there were 563 ATV-related hospitalizations for children and youth (16 years and younger) in Alberta and 13 deaths.
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that no one under the age of 16 years should operate an ATV, even a child-sized or youth model.
Albertans older than 16 are advised to take the following precautions to reduce their chances of becoming injured when riding an ATV:
- Wear a proper-fitting, safety-approved helmet, jacket, long pants, goggles, boots, and gloves;
- Learn or refresh your ability to use controls, ride terrain, turn and climb hills by taking an ATV operator course;
- Don’t use alcohol or drugs before or while riding;
- Check that your ATV is in good working condition and is equipped with an appropriate headlamp;
- Don’t be a passenger or carry a passenger on a single-person ATV;
- Be aware of hazards around you and ride during daylight hours;
- Follow posted signs, stay on the trails and be aware of the weather and trail conditions; and
- Take a cellphone or working two-way radio with you, as well as a first-aid kit. Let people know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
For more information on ATV safety you can visit the province's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.