Sask. ATV fatalities hit new high in 2013

Last year, eight people were killed and 47 were injured in ATV-related accidents in Saskatchewan.

In five of those fatalities, the victim was not wearing a helmet.

“That becomes a concern because that is a record number of fatalities, and of course an increase in injuries,” said John Meed, general manager of the Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association.

On Thursday, the SATVA launched its annual helmet safety campaign, which will run throughout the summer and fall.

“There’s also complaints of ATV riders not riding properly and not wearing helmets,” Meed said. “We wanted to at least impart to them the fact that this is a pretty critical piece of equipment. There are no seatbelts on an ATV. If you flip or tip, you are going to be ejected.

“As you know, one of the things that you can hit is your head. Helmets become very critical in stopping a fatality and serious injuries to the head.”

According to SATVA, ATV use is on the rise in the province. About 8,000 quad-style and side-by-side ATVs are sold each year.

Meed said many fatalities and injuries can be avoided if people

“THE DYNAMICS OF AN ATV ARE LIKE NO OTHER MACHINE … AND IT’S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO PROPERLY RIDE THEM.”

JOHN MEED

know their vehicle and receive proper training.

Last weekend, an ATV rollover near Togo killed a 40-year-old man and injured a 14-year-old.

“The things were designed to have the rider in between the tires, and if you are on one that isn’t designed for passengers, it can lead to those sad situations where the vehicle’s centre of gravity has been messed up,” Meed said.

“The dynamics of an ATV are like no other machine. It is unique in its size, design and its maneuverability, and it’s important to understand how to properly ride them.”

According to SGI, on average, motorcycles are involved in 540 collisions, resulting in six deaths and 210 injuries each year in Saskatchewan. Based on the five-year average from 2008 to 2012, ATVs are involved in 37 collisions, resulting in five deaths and 38 injuries in the province each year.

ATV collisions that occur on private property are not included in the collision numbers.

Valerie Pearson, provincial manager for injury prevention for the Canadian Red Cross, also wants people to be safe on the water.

“We always say swimming skills combined with water safety knowledge and skills, that’s what saves lives,” she said. “Wear a life-jacket and wear a life-jacket properly.”

Meed and Pearson also advise people to avoid alcohol when operating any craft on land or water.