From 2005 to 2010, there were 80 ATV fatalities in British Columbia. Of those fatalities the large numbers that come from the reports are alcohol, speed and helmets. For ATV/BC, these issues are the starting points for their Safe Rider Course.
For Gordon Galloway, director for ATV/BC and its safety chair, it's Safe Rider Course does a lot to prevent accidents and injuries for ATVers.
"There are injuries in all sports, not just quadding," said Galloway. "Whether you ride horses, play football or play soccer, all have the potential for injuries. The best way to reduce injuries is proper training."
Galloway, who is also president of the Elkford ATV Club, a CSC ATV/UTV safety instructor, and a C.A.S.I chief instructor, says the Safe Rider Course is the best way to promote safe riding.
"ATV/BC has several instructors in our organization and keep them listed on our ATV/BC website with their permission," said Galloway. "As a chief instructor, I have now trained several new instructors in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. There is no regulation for taking a Safe Rider Course so it is by volunteer request that a person can get trained."
According to Galloway, there are 11 chapters of coverage in the course. Chapters include dealing with equipment condition, rider equipment and rider lessons. There is turning and weight shifting lessons as well. The school program was started to give youth a preview of the rider program. It was designed to capture the grade four to grade seven age group.
For youth, ATV safety is particularly important. The Canadian Paediatric Society is currently calling for a national ban on children driving ATVs. In B.C. Galloway said the age limits in B.C. (age 16) are only on forest service roads. There is no regulation for crown land or on private property yet.
"For teaching youth, concentration is the biggest part to train as well as teaching them that an ATV is not a toy," said Galloway. "The age limits set the size of the ATV the youth can handle. Most important of all is the parents. They must be present and have full control."
In Elkford specifically, the ATV club has several instructors and are available to teach upon request. The Elkford ATV Club also has six instructors trained under the Trail Patrol program to advise when needed.
No matter what age group, whether an adult or a child, safety has to come first and that's why the ATV/BC offers ATVers opportunities to learn with the Safe Rider Course.
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