Most ATVers know that they need to have the proper riding gear and practise safe riding techniques when they go out on the trails. Even with the best laid plans, however, things can easily go awry—as Debi Warrell knows all too well.
Warrell is an avid ATV enthusiast from Spruce Grove, Alberta. In April 2010, she had an accident while riding her ATV down a steep incline on a trail near Nordegg, Alberta. Her ATV flipped over and rolled on top of her, causing severe injuries. Fortunately, Warrell was with her husband, Greg Rice, and 11 other riders; two members of the group had first-aid training. Warrell and Rice were equipped with a Spot satellite messenger, and Rice used it to send a request for emergency assistance. Contact was made with the local RCMP detachment and a STARS helicopter team was sent to the scene; Warrell was soon transported to a medical centre.
A greater understanding
Warrell said she learned a lot from her experience. She knows the importance of riding in groups and having proper safety equipment. She is appreciative of STARS for their care and efficiency and she values her Spot messenger. Now, Warrell and her husband have two of these devices and they always take them along when they go ATVing.
The experience has also changed Warrell’s way of thinking when it comes to ATV safety.
“Before my accident, I used to hear about these accidents and think, ‘What were those idiots doing?’ ” said Warrell. “And now, I realize, chances are they weren’t doing anything stupid—bad things happen. And that’s kind of what I took from it.”
On the trail again
The accident may have shaken her up but it didn’t stop her from getting back on an ATV. Warrell and Rice are active members of the Outlaw ATV Club based in Edmonton, Alberta, and they enjoy ATVing together and with other members of the club. They go riding near Rocky Mountain House, Alberta Beach and at Hell’s Half Acre—an area of Crown land situated on the west side of Edmonton. Warrell and Rice have also spent time at Rocky Top ATV Park, which is located north of Westlock.
When asked to recall her accident, Warrell said she felt there wasn’t much she could have done to prevent it from happening.
“When I talk to other people, I try to make sure they are aware this was just a fluke,” said Warrell. “It wasn’t bad riding and it wasn’t recklessness. I had all the safety gear on, and everything that could have gone right went right. It just was one of those fluky things that happens.”
Think safety
Here are some tips from Debi Warrell on how to prepare for an ATV ride.
- Never ride alone.
- Always carry a hand-held device with GPS technology, such as a Spot or a Garmin.
- Wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, gloves and riding pants.
- Bring water and snacks.
- Carry a first-aid kit, fire starter and a blanket.
- Bring extra tow ropes.
- Pack some tools in the event that an ATV breaks down.
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