All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) usage is increasing in popularity and we have some of the most beautiful trails in our area. At Higgins Insurance we would like to help people enjoy the use of these vehicles as safely as possible. We asked Ken Legge, Vice-President of Quad NB, for some ideas on operational safety. Here are his safety tips:
What are some Safety Tips before you ride an ATV?
There are many. Taking an ATV safety course like the ones offered through Quad NB is a great start. Wearing appropriate safety gear such as over the ankle boots, goggles, helmet, gloves, and long pants and a long sleeved jersey, all will help to keep you safer.
What are some Safety Tips while you are riding an ATV?
You must learn your own level of competence and abilities as a rider as well as the capabilities of the particular ATV you are operating. A 2wd 300cc ATV will not go where a 1000cc 4wd will. You should always take a cellphone with you as well as extra clothing and snacks. Extra fuel can be a good thing to have with you as well.
Where can I take an ATV Safety Course?
Quad NB offers ATV safety courses following the Canadian ATV Safety Institute (CASI) model of instruction. Sign up is easy and all areas of the province provide training.
Where could someone find out more on ATV laws?
ATV laws can be found in the Off Road Vehicle Act, a Provincial Statute here in NB. You can also contact the Off Road Enforcement Unit under the Department of Public Safety.
Is an ATV owner required by law to insure their ATV?
Insurance is mandatory for ATVs. Sec 3(1)(d) states: No owner of an off-road vehicle shall drive it or permit it to be driven unless…..if it is an all-terrain vehicle, it is covered by a motor vehicle liability insurance policy providing the insurance referred to in sections 243 and 264 of the Insurance Act.
Should we be familiar with the terrain before we ride?
It is always safer to ride in areas that you are familiar with. There are also several phone apps, there are gps devices, and of course paper maps that will assist you in knowing where the trails are and where it is safe and legal to ride.
What Protective Gear should riders wear?
Over the ankle boots, googles, a proper fitting helmet, gloves, and long pants and a long sleeved jersey.
What items should I carry in my First Aid Kit & Tool Kit?
First Aid kits are common and come well equipped when you purchase them. A variety of tools can come in handy: adjustable wrenches, tire plug kits in case of a flat, 12 volt air compressor, tow ropes, a folding saw, and a pair of brush cutters.
What should I do if I am involved in an ATV accident?
Accidents under the Off Road Vehicle Act:
26(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (4), where the operator of an off-road vehicle is involved in an accident resulting in injury to or the death of any person, he shall
(a) immediately give notice of such accident, his name and address, and the name and address of the owner of the vehicle to the local police department, if such accident occurred within the limits of a municipality or region as defined in the Police Act, or, if it did not, to the nearest office of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or to the nearest available peace officer, and
(b) upon the request of a peace officer, make an accident report on a form provided by the Registrar, either by completing the form himself or by verbally providing the peace officer with the information required therein.
What is your Quad NB’s Mandate?
We are responsible to manage all activities and provincial developments surrounding the sport. Acting as the central voice, we are in constant communication with government agencies, municipalities, and partners to help build the quad industry in our beautiful province of New Brunswick. We function as a non-profit organization with 56 individual member clubs divided into eight regions across the province.
Here are the Maritime links on ATV/ORV licensing & regulations:
https://novascotia.ca/natr/ohv/allterrainvehicle.asp
https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/off-highway%20vehicles.pdf
Thank you for the Interview Ken.