Call for mandatory training for ATV users
Posted May 2, 2010 8:27 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
In 2008 the provincial government said regulations were on the way for off-road vehicles in the light of mounting deaths and injuries.
But a spokesman for Alberta Transportation tells the Calgary Herald he doesn’t see any legislative changes coming anytime soon.
That’s despite the fact that between 2004 and 2008 there were 47 fatal collisions and 48 deaths involving quads, 4 x 4’s, and dirt bikes. That’s on public land where you have to be 14 to operate an ATV. the numbers don’t include accidents on private land where drivers don’t have to wear helmets.
RCMP Inspector Jamie Stiles attributes much of the carnage to reckless behavior, including reckless driving, and alcohol consumption.
Even some off-road clubs believe rules and regulations are necessary.
Tim Garton, past president of the Alberta United Recreationists Society, says there should be some type of mandatory training for all ATV users.
