All-terrain vehicle (ATV) enthusiasts love the summer for one reason – the opportunity to get out and enjoy a ride. While riding an ATV is a fun activity, it comes with rules and responsibilities set to promote the safety of riders and passengers alike.
Here are some basic rules to keep in mind when heading out on an ATV:
- The law requires that you always wear an approved helmet.
- ATVs are not to be operated on roadways, shoulders or sidewalks unless circumstances fall under other provisions laid out in the Off Road Vehicles Act.
- To cross a roadway on an ATV, a driver must have a valid driver’s licence.
- Like any other mode of transportation, only operate an ATV when sober and alert.
- Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a minimum of 18 years old.
- Young persons over the age of 14 can ride without parent accompaniment, however, cannot cross a roadway until they obtain a valid driver’s licence.
These rules are in place to keep everyone safe. Every year and mostly during the summer months, officers across Manitoba respond to several serious collisions involving ATVs, some of them fatal. Contributing factors in these deaths included alcohol use, failure to wear a helmet and speed, all factors that could have been avoided.
There is more to riding an ATV than just getting on the machine and turning the key, so before heading out to enjoy the ride, remember to get in the know, be prepared and obey the laws.
No matter what your mode of transportation is, travel safe!
