Serious ATV injury prompts police to post safety guidelines
By Trail Champion
On April 21, at 10:28 a.m. the Trail and Greater District Detachment RCMP and Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue responded to a call of a single person ATV injury incident in the Pend d’Oreille recreation area near the Seven Mile Dam, in Trail. A 68-year-old male of Fruitvale was navigating an uneven rocky section of a trail when it is believed that his ATV tipped over and threw him to the ground then possibly rolled onto him. The driver suffered serious but non life-threatening injuries. The driver’s riding companion located the injured driver after incident when he failed to arrived at their prearranged meeting place. His companion contacted authorities who attended and extracted the male from the trail. The driver was taken to the Trail hospital for an assessment and treatment. The driver was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.
The RCMP encourage the ATV riding public to:
- Wear proper fitting safety gear like a helmet, goggles, boots, gloves, and arms. legs, and chest protectors when you ride your ATV. Tipping over happens quickly and can have serious or deadly consequences without proper protection.
- Do a pre-ride inspection of your ATV before every ride. Make sure your tires, controls, connections, cables, chains, and sprockets are all in good working order as well as all of your fluids are topped up.
- Never ride alone.
- Never consume alcohol and drugs while operating a motor vehicle. Hold off on the beverages till after the ride is done.
- Only one rider per ATV unless your ATV is specifically and lawfully equipped to accommodate two riders.
- Ride only on designed trails and in designated areas. Do not drive on private land or areas that are restricted from motor vehicle use. Riding in restricted areas can result in hefty fines or legal consequences.
- Make sure you are riding the proper sized ATV for your ability.
- Be aware of your surroundings and know the location of all of your riding partners. Stay a safe distance apart and allow for ample time for stopping. Be mindful of animals crossing your path at all times.
- Be respectful and mindful that others may be enjoying the same area as you and doing different activities like hiking or biking.
- ATVs are not deemed roadworthy vehicles and are not allowed on BC roads and highways. Failing to abide by this rule can result in large fines, points against your driver’s licence, and seizure of your ATV.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you intend to return. You also can leave a note face up on the dashboard of your vehicle with your intended route and time of return as an alterative.
Have a safe and fun riding season!
