Confederation Secondary School, police in partnership for ATV safety week

Confederation Secondary School is partnering with the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) for the third consecutive year on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety awareness program.

ATV safety week is being observed from May 30 to June 8, with activities focusing on building awareness among ATV operators, including young people, about riding ATVs in a safe manner.

Jody Jakubo, program co-ordinator, SHSM and experiential learning with the Rainbow District School Board, said the program includes an in-class component as well as a chance for the kids to hit the trails.

"The Greater Sudbury Police Services and the MNR [Ministry of Natural Resources] come to the school and they do a safety presentation as well as a conservation presentation," Jakubo told CBC News. 

"They talk to the students about keeping safe on the road, they talk about the rules and the regulations and the bylaws, and then the MNR talks about being respectful of the environment. So, the kids spend half the day in class learning before we even set foot out on the trails together."

On Wednesday a team of 13 students in Grade 11 and Grade 12, under the watchful eyes of the police, hit the trails on their ATVs and UTVs for a 50-km ride.

Rainbow District School Board director of education, Bruce Bourget, thanked the Greater Sudbury Police Service for initiating the program with support from the MNR.

"Incorporating a hands-on component to the training makes it that much more effective," he said. "Building awareness among young people will foster safe use, promote respectful riding, and help prevent possible injuries." 

According to Greater Sudbury Police Service, on average, there are 100 ATV-related deaths in Canada each year. 

'It's definitely increased in popularity'

GSPS Const. Al Brunette, says the collaboration is timely and helps to promote a healthy, safe way of operating ATVs.

"I think it's very important due to the increase in ATVs, off road vehicles in the city," Brunett told CBC Sudbury. 

"Not just Sudbury, but I think everywhere it's definitely increased in popularity [and the] majority of these riders are youth operators. So, I think it's very important that off the start that they get to know how to do this safely so that we reduce any risk, so we have less collisions, less injuries that occur, and so they know the rules of the road." 

Brunett said the collaboration also helps to have a good relationship between the youth and law enforcement officers.

Meanwhile, Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs — a group of clubs operated by volunteers, with the goal of providing safe, legal and sustainable trails across the province — says they're seeing a growing number of riders hitting the trails.

Beth Wink, the group's program co-ordinator, says everyone using ATVs needs to make plans to be safe.

"The number one thing for all riders is that you should wear a helmet. One of the things we have found in studies is the people that die, they …. are not wearing a helmet," Wink told CBC Sudbury.

"If your bike rolls over or if there's problems, if you hit something, you need that helmet for protection. It's just like a motorcycle, you need that helmet for protection."

Wink said other precautions to take include:

• Don't ride alone: Always ride with a buddy or in a group — this is especially important in case of mechanical issues or injuries. Make sure your group has a plan and someone knows your expected return time.

• Mind your speed: Ride within posted trail speed limits. On roads, ATVs must ride 20 km maximum in a 50 km posted zone, or 50 km maximum in a more than 50 km posted zone. 

• Ride clean. No alcohol. No impairments: Packing snacks and drinks is a necessity — but no alcohol or impairing substances should be part of this.

• Know your route and plan ahead: Before setting out, make sure everyone knows the route, or download QuadON for trail navigation. Set check-in points and don't leave anyone behind. 

• Ride to your skill level: Trails aren't roads — they're full of roots, rocks, branches, inclines, and other natural obstacles.