Cassidy Gecas of Grand Marais was one of the students who participated in the last DNR youth ATV safety training course held in Cook County. The DNR and Cook County ATV Club would like to see more youths take the course, which includes classroom and field testing. The ATV Club also encourages adults to take the independent study CD course and to follow the safety rules.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials are concerned about the recent upward trend in all-terrain vehicle (ATV) deaths. So far this year, 16 people have died in ATV accidents in the state. That compares to 14 for all of 2009.
“It’s hard to really draw conclusions on why they’re happening, other than the reckless operation of the ATVs themselves,” said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Safety Education coordinator. “ATV riding is very popular in Minnesota, but people are operating ATVs beyond their capability.”
The latest fatality occurred on Aug. 1 in Carver County. Theoperator was a 49-year-old man with no formal ATV safety training, which is common to all fatalities this year. ATV rollovers are to blame for six of the fatal accidents, said Hammer. He said the higher center of gravity on an ATV means there is an increased risk for a rollover.
The Cook County ATV Club is also very concerned about this increase. ATV Club President Mickey Brazell noted that there are more people riding—there are now over 250,000 ATVs registered in the state, outpacing the number of snowmobiles in Minnesota. However, Brazell added, “This still shouldn’t be happening. People need to slow down and pay attention and realize that operating an ATV is different than driving a car. You can’t just hop on an ATV and go tearing around. People need some safety training.”
That is why the Cook County ATV Club tries so hard to promote the annual Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) youth ATV safety program, offered in Cook County since 2004. Volunteer DNR certified instructor Charles Silence said, “DNR statistics show that 47% of all people involved in ATV accidents are teenagers, 10-19 years old. The major cause is rollovers and hitting fixed objects. Speed is frequently the cause. That’s why it is so important to catch kids when they are young to teach them about safe and ethical riding.”
However, the ATV Club also wants adults to take ATV safety training. “Anyone who rides or who is considering riding an ATV, should take DNR ATV safety training,” said Brazell.
The DNR course is independent study that can be completed on your schedule using a free MN DNR CD. The course covers a variety of topics including safety and rules. Once the rider has completed the CD coursework, he or she can submit the tests and $15 to the DNR and ATV Safety Training will be recorded on his or her driver’s license. Contact the ATV Club at (218) 387-9844 to obtain a CD.
Anyone born after July 1, 1987, must
complete the ATV CD Training Course before operating an ATV.
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