Safe Riding

We strongly support and promote safe and courteous riding. Safe riding is
extremely important for you, your families and the people around you to
ensure everyone comes home alive and un-injured.

Courteous driving is just as important to the people around you.
Courteous driving promotes the sport.
Poor driving habits give the sport a bad name.

ATVs are not Toys

While we can have fun on them, they must be treated with respect.
They are powerful, motorized vehicles that can weigh 600 lbs or more
and reach speeds of more than 60 mph.
Even the best drivers often lose control of their ATV.
A collision or a flip can happen quickly.


Who is at risk?

The highest risk age group by far is males under the age of 16. Often
these youngsters are riding without protective equipment and with more
than one person on the ATV. Risk-taking and goofing around while riding
is common. Young people represent nearly 40% of all ATV-related injuries
and deaths.


What can happen?

The most common injuries associated with ATV crashes are to the head, face
and spine – skull fractures, facial fractures, brain injuries, coma,
paralysis and spinal cord injuries. Some kids have short-term disability,
some have a lifetime of disability, and some kids die.


Why are young people injured so often?

• No helmet use.
• Carrying one or more passengers.
• Lack of mature judgment.
• Lack of adequate strength and coordination.
• ATV too big for their size/age.


Safety Tips for all ATV Riders

1)	Do not carry passengers. ATVs are designed for one person only.
2)	Wear a properly rated helmet with eye protection.
3)	Wear non-skid, closed toe shoes. Moto-cross boots are great or even steel sole and toe work boots. Many riders have been hit pretty good with branches coming up through the foot rests areas.
4)	Wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.
5)	Do not ride on public roads. It is also against the law.
6)	Ensure your ATV has lights for evening/night driving.
7)	If you ATV has lights, use them as daytime running lights.
8)	Attend an ATV driver’s safety course, where possible.
9)	Lend your ATV to skilled riders only. Ensure the rider has the physical strength and coordination to control the machine. Speed, torch and bumps put a lot of force on the rider so they MUST be able to maintain control of the ATV under these forces. Always supervise youngsters.
10)	Know your owner's manual. Check the ATV before you ride.
11)	Ride with others - never alone.
12)	Ride sober — no alcohol or drugs.
13)	And a few last thoughts.... Be courteous to all you meet. Keep noise levels low. What ever you bring in bring it out Ride within all your skill. Preserve the environment. Respect riding area rules.

Here are a few good links to assist you in practicing safety.

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East Kootenay ATV Club, Columbia Valley Division