Beginning March 13-19, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association kicks off Ag Safety Week. It’s a great time to review with your family your farm’s safety plans and farm safety in general.
One document related to safety that came across my desk recently was statistics on ATV-related deaths in Canada — and the numbers are staggering. ATVs can be very useful on the farm for both work and recreation, however, the numbers suggest there is potential for injury and death and more work on ATV safety is needed.
At the beginning of the Statistics Canada report released last June called “Circumstances surrounding all-terrain vehicle fatalities in Canada, 2013 to 2019,” it states understanding the circumstances surrounding ATV fatalities can be a good starting point to implement preventive measures to minimize harm. With that intention, I’ve provided some of the stats from the report. Following those numbers, I’ve compiled a list of 10 safety recommendations from the Canadian Quad Council and the Canada Safety Council for ATV riders. The following is taken from the Statistics Canada report:
- From 2013 to 2019, across all provinces and territories, on average 100 people died in Canada each year from unintentional ATV incidents.
- More than eight in 10 ATV-related fatalities occur among men (85 per cent).
- ATV-related fatalities occur in all age groups; however, three-quarters of fatal events occur among those aged 20 to 64, while fewer fatalities were reported among those 65 or older (16 per cent) and those under 20 (12 per cent).
- Among ATV-related fatalities, drivers accounted for 79 per cent of ATV-related fatalities, whereas passengers represented nine per cent. In two-thirds of these ATV-related fatalities, the driver was alone on the ATV.
- Nearly half (45 per cent) of all ATV fatalities were the result of a rollover. In 79 per cent of all cases, the final cause of death was reported to be an injury sustained during the incident, such as a fatal head, chest or spinal injury. Compromised breathing was reported in 14 per cent of cases and often the result of the ATV landing on top of the deceased.
- At least one risk factor was reported in more than three-quarters (79 per cent) of ATV- related fatalities. Risk factors include alcohol or drug consumption, whether the ATV rider was alone or with a group, the condition of the terrain or road and whether a helmet was worn.
- Alcohol, cannabis or other drugs were reported in more than half of ATV-related fatalities.
- The involvement of alcohol or drugs in ATV-related driver fatalities varied by age group and gender. Among those aged 20 to 49 at the time of death, alcohol or drugs were reported for 68 per cent of fatalities. Alcohol or drugs were less frequently reported in those aged 65 or older or those aged under 20.
- In at least 40 per cent of ATV-related fatalities, the deceased was reported to be riding alone.
- Dangerous terrain, slopes or curves were reported in one-third or 33 per cent of ATV-related fatalities. Dangerous terrain can mean snow or ice, loose gravel, slippery conditions, potholes and uneven terrain.
- At least 33 per cent of riders were not wearing helmets during an ATV fatality event.
- Drivers under the age of 16 accounted for seven per cent of the ATV-related fatalities and two-thirds of them were driving when the fatality occurred. Underage passengers accounted for 22 per cent of those fatalities. In 60 per cent of the fatalities involving underage drivers, at least one of the follow- ing risk factors was present — alcohol or drugs (11 per cent), dangerous road conditions (22 per cent), travelling alone (33 per cent) and not wearing a helmet (33 per cent).
For more information about ATV fatalities in Canada the report can be found at the StatCan website.
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ATVs, children and youth – special consideration
The Canada Safety Council article called “Farm parents weigh in on kids and quads,” points out from 2007-2011, 54 children under the age of 15 were killed in accidents involving ATVs and other off-road vehicles. Additionally, an estimated 450 children under the age of 15 are hospitalized each year in Canada from ATV accidents. The farm families interviewed for this story have chosen not to let their children under the age of 16 ride ATVs.
The article explains the dangers associated with allowing children to ride ATVs. “Like bicycles, motorcycles and snowmobiles, ATVs are designed to be controlled in part by the rider’s shifting body weight, both front and back, and side to side. This means that safe operation of an ATV requires a combination of skill, good judgement, physical weight and strength. While ATVs may seem deceptively stable and easy to operate, before the age of 16, most children and youth are not physically or developmentally ready to ride ATVs safely,” it states.
However, if parents do allow children to ride ATVs it’s recommended children follow the guidelines listed below in addition to training with a qualified instructor, riding an ATV of the appropriate size, no doubling up and riding in the daytime only.
10 safety tips for ATV riders
The Canada Safety Council and The Canadian Quad Council have a number of safety recommendations for ATV and quads, including the following:
1. Wear a compliant helmet (per provincial regulations) and safety gear — goggles, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.
2. Ride on designated trails, off-highway, at safe speeds for the conditions. Never ride on paved roads except to cross them safely where permitted by law and avoid riding in live water courses. Respect riding-area rules. And always ride with headlights on.
3. Ride with others. It is recommended you do not ride alone. However, if you do, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
4. Ride sober, never under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of passengers and recommended ages for riders. A single-rider ATV/ quad is meant for one person. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV/quad. Also, ensure all riders are operating an ATV appropriate for their age, weight and riding ability.
6. Supervise young riders. In provinces where riders younger than 16 can legally ride, they should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
7. Know your owner’s manual and check the ATV before you ride.
8. Only lend your ATV to skilled riders.
9. Preserve the environment and be courteous to all you meet.
10. Sign up for ATV training.
What safety measures do you take before setting out on an ATV? If you’d like some heart-shaped safety stickers to put on your ATVs or other equipment, please email me at [email protected].
Spring is just around the corner. Have a happy and safe start to the new season.
Kari
