After the seventh ATV-related death this summer, the Saskatchewan All-Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA) is calling for the provincial government to take immediate action on reducing deaths and injuries due to ATV use.
“We need the provincial government to take a leadership role on this issue or people will continue to die or be injured on their ATVs,” said SATVA General Manager John Meed.
In addition to this year’s deaths, there were five deaths last year and eight in 2013. Since 2009 there have been 1,019 hospital admissions due to ATV injuries. That amount is even higher since it doesn’t include patients who were treated by a doctor, walk-in clinics or emergency room departments, but were not admitted to the hospital or required medical attention.
“It really is the time for action. People are not only experiencing pain and suffering, but we are also placing a significant strain on our health care system. There is also the loss of wages for people and productivity for businesses. We need to work together to create a safer community for ATV enthusiasts,” said Meed.
An action plan would include:
• Funding for safety training and education programs so more people would know how to safely operate an ATV.
• Funding to create dedicated ATV trails which would lead to safer experiences for ATV drivers.
• ATV registration to ensure proper enforcement and to provide funding for the first two action items.
• An overhaul of the ATV Act, which has seen only minor revisions since it was enacted in 1989.
“The current situation is simply intolerable and we need to start addressing it,” said Meed.
SATVA was formed in 2006 to unite ATV clubs and users into a single voice to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs in Saskatchewan. ATVs include quads, side by sides, UTVs and other off road vehicles.
For more information, contact John Meed at (306) 541-8427 (cell) or email info@satva.ca.
