Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Youth ATV Safety Training was held May 18 and May 21. Students complete the course though CD at home and then have classroom review and a written test and then a field test. Owen Anderson practices riding on an incline under the watchful eyes of DNR volunteer instructor Dick Parker.
Anyone born after July 1, 1987, who operates an ATV on public lands in Minnesota, must successfully complete the independent study ATV Safety Training CD course. Youth ages 11-15 must complete the ATV CD Course and riding component before riding on public lands. According to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officers, it’s not only the law; it’s a good idea. The DNR and the Cook County ATV Club want everyone to ride safely, which is why they collaborate to offer Youth ATV Safety, which was held this year on May 18 and May 21.
Students complete the course though CD at home and then have classroom review and a written test and then a field test. Only six youths took part this year, which was a bit disappointing to instructors. “We congratulate them, but hope to see more kids next year,” said DNR volunteer Chuck Silence, adding, “But we will do this if only one kid turns out. If this helps one kid be a safe rider, it’s worth it.”
Above: DNR Conservation Officer Mary Manning explains the ATV driving course to MaeAnna LaFavor. Left: Volunteer instructor Chuck Silence gives a review of operating equipment on the ATV to MaeAnna LaFavor before she completes her field test.
Long-time Safety Instructor Dick Parker agreed, reiterating what he has said every year. “Statistics show that 47% of all persons involved in ATV accidents are in their teens, 10-19 years old. The major cause of accidents is rollovers and hitting fixed objects. Speed is frequently the cause,” said Parker.
“That’s why it is so important to catch kids when they are young to teach them about safe and ethical riding.”
The students completing the training this year were Owen Anderson, Logan Backstrom, Zach Buchheit, MaeAnna LaFavor, Colton Thompson, and Damian Zimmer.
Instructors were Conservation Officers Mary Manning, Tom Wahlstrom, and Darin Fagerman and volunteer instructors Eric Nelms, Steve Lashinski, Chuck Silence, and Gideon Silence.
The Cook County ATV Club provides scholarships for the $20 fee for families that cannot afford the class, gives the successful students an ATV Club t-shirt and sponsors a pizza party after the field test. This pizza party is always a hit and gives kids, parents, volunteer instructors, and DNR Conservation Officers the opportunity to get to know one another.
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