Children must be allowed to play. However, when recreation becomes lethal or results in permanent disability and heartache for a family, then it can no longer be considered ‘fun’. [3]
Trauma Committee of the Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons, 2008
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are three or four wheeled motorized vehicles with large, low-pressure tires designed for riding in off-road areas. ATVs have handlebars for controlling and steering the vehicle and a seat that is designed to be straddled by the driver. ATVs are used throughout Saskatchewan for transportation in rural areas, recreational use on trails, and for occupational activities on work sites, farms, and in remote areas.
Unfortunately, ATVs have become the cause of many devastating injuries and deaths to the residents of Saskatchewan. These injuries are not isolated incidents and span across all geographic locations and age groups, including seniors and toddlers.
Injuries are the leading cause of hospitalization and death for children 1 to 19 years of age in Canada. ATV-related injuries are unfortunately responsible for a substantial number of these hospitalizations and deaths.
ATVs, because of their design, including size and speed, require considerable strength, balance, coordination, and cognitive ability to safely drive. Children do not possess the physical development to safely drive an ATV or the cognitive ability to react to potentially dangerous situations. It is not a question of an individual child’s maturity or size. The risks are related to the stage of development of the child’s body and mind.
A voluntary standard for manufacturers in Canada recommends children ride ‘age-appropriate’ ATVs. It is recommended that children less than 12 years of age ride an ATV with an engine size no greater than 70cc and children less than 16 years of age are recommended to ride an ATV with an engine size no greater than 90cc. [1]
Youth sized ATVs are smaller in size and reach slower speeds than a regular ATV, but this does not necessarily mean that they provide an acceptable level of risk for children. [2] ‘Age-appropriate’ ATVs may weigh up to 90 kg (200 lbs) and reach speeds of 50 km/hr (30 mph). ‘Age-appropriate’ ATVs still reach speeds that a child cannot be expected to understand or react to and weigh more than a child can physically control at these speeds. Children do not possess the abilities to safely control an ATV of any size. Riding an ATV puts children at an unnecessary risk of injury.
An ATV is not a TOY
To legally drive a conventional motor vehicle, such as a car or truck, individuals are required to be 16 years of age, complete an instructional course, pass a practical exam that tests driver competency, and follow the enforced rules of the road. Conventional motor vehicles also come with built in protective measures such as seatbelts and air bags. These requirements and protective measures help create a safer environment for drivers of motor vehicles and those around them. [4]
The average age of individuals who are treated at emergency departments in Canada for ATV-related injuries is 15 years, which is less than the legal driving age of conventional motor vehicles. [6]
ATVs do not have the same built in protective measures as conventional motor vehicles. A full-size ATV weighs over 225 kg (500 lbs), and is capable of reaching highway speeds. The severity of ATV-related injuries is similar to the injury patterns of a motor vehicle collision, yet children are driving ATVs without helmets or safety gear, without formal training or licenses, and often without following manufacturer recommendations and provincial legislation. [5]
Whether using an ATV for work or recreational purposes, there are some easy steps that can be taken to ensure the continued health and safety of riders. Remember to drive with consideration for other people and vehicles and always follow the rules of the road.
Always wear an approved helmet when riding an ATV. Even a quick trip to check the field or to visit the neighbours can result in a disabling or fatal injury if appropriate behaviours are not followed. A brain injury can result in life-long disabilities and affect physical functions such as speech, fine and gross motor control, as well as alter an individual’s personality, memory, and emotions. A helmet reduces the risk of a brain injury in the event of a crash.
Eye protection is required when operating an ATV as well as other gear including over the ankle boots, gloves, a long sleeved shirt, and long pants. Protective clothing is necessary to protect your eyes and skin from cuts, scrapes, and punctures.
For recreational riders, off-road pants with knee-pads and chest and shoulder protectors are recommended.
There are different types of helmets available for use and helmets that provide additional protection, such as eye and face protection, should be considered for use when riding an ATV. Ensure the helmet you choose is approved for use when riding an ATV in Canada. Approved ATV helmets are certified by DOT or Snell.
An open-face helmet provides no additional protection to the face or eyes. If an open-face helmet is worn when riding an ATV, additional eye protection must be worn.
A full-face helmet provides additional protection to the face, eyes, mouth, and chin.
An Off-road or Motocross helmet provides the greatest amount of protection to the face, with increased protection for the mouth and chin.
A helmet and eye protection is required by Saskatchewan law when riding an ATV on public land.
Remember all helmets must be replaced after five years. The material that a helmet is made from degrades over time. Although a helmet may look the same as when you bought it, it will not necessarily protect the head and brain in the event of a crash.
Helmets are meant to protect for only one impact. Replace helmets after a collision or if you find any dents or cracks on the helmet.
ATV seats are very large and wide, however, just because two people can fit on an ATV seat does not mean that the ATV is meant to carry a passenger. The driver of an ATV needs to be able to make whole body movements in order to control the vehicle and the large ATV seat is designed to accommodate this side to side and forward to backward movement. A passenger can restrict a driver’s movement and change the dynamics of how an ATV handles.
Carrying passengers on an ATV that was not intended to carry a passenger affects the balance and control of the vehicle and is a dangerous practice which increases the risk of a rollover or fall from an ATV.
Never carry a passenger on an ATV that was designed for one person.
According to the Canadian Paediatric Society’s 2009 Status Report, ‘Are We Doing Enough’, Saskatchewan’s ATV safety legislation is rated as Fair. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that provinces and territories introduce and enforce off-road vehicle legislation including [12]:
ATVs according to The All Terrain Vehicles Act include restricted use motorcycles, mini-bikes, and ATVs but do not include snowmobiles, golf carts, or agricultural implements as defined in the Traffic Safety Act.
To operate an ATV in Saskatchewan, a person must be 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.
Youth between 12 and 15 years of age can operate an all-terrain vehicle:
Youth between 12 and 15 years of age can operate an all-terrain vehicle if they are on public or private land, the untraveled portion of a highway, or are crossing a highway by the most direct and shortest route available.
Any person operating or riding as a passenger on an ATV is required to wear a helmet and appropriate eye protection.
A person operating an ATV must operate:
To operate an ATV on public land or a highway, the vehicle must be insured for the owner and every person who operates the vehicle in accordance with Part VI of The Saskatchewan Insurance Act. This is not a form of registration; ATVs currently cannot be registered in Saskatchewan.
A person must not operate an ATV within two metres from the traveled portion of a highway except for the purpose of crossing the highway or using a bridge or weir. To cross a highway, an operator must bring the ATV to a full stop, dismount all passengers, yield to all vehicles and pedestrians using the highway, and proceed in the shortest and most direct route of travel available. Passengers must yield to all vehicles and walk across the highway in the shortest and most direct route of travel available.
To operate an ATV on private land you require permission from the land owner or occupant.
Note:
All of the above legislation does not apply to people operating all-terrain vehicles on private land that is owned by themselves or an immediate family member (spouse, parent, guardian, child, brother, or sister). Municipal bylaws can prohibit the operation of ATV on private land in the municipality as well as:
Contact your local municipality for all-terrain vehicle bylaws and follow all signs indicating restriction or prohibition.
The above is a summary of provincial legislation for the purpose of this website. For complete provincial legislation regarding all-terrain vehicles please refer to The All-Terrain Vehicles Act. [13]
Considerations
Legislation has been established to protect individuals from devastating injuries. However, provincial legislation is not enforceable on private land in Saskatchewan. Therefore, it is important for parents, caregivers, and land-owners to comply with legislation even when on private land and take all necessary safety precautions to ensure no injury occurs to a young child or teenager due to ATV use.
