A youth ATV safety student maneuvers an ATV on a simulated side hill during an ATV safety course. Registration is open now at Cook County Community Education for the 2014 course. Anyone born after July 1987 must have this training to ride an ATV in the state of Minnesota.
The Cook County ATV Club reminds parents that an ATV Safety Training course is available in May for students, ages 11 – 15. Sign up now for a safe summer!
The course is part independent study and part field test. When students sign up, they receive a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) CD to study for the written test and field test.
A review and the written test will held Wednesday, May 14 at 3:45 p.m. in Cook County High School room 222. After passing the test, students participate in a field test, Saturday, May 17 at 9 a.m. at the old Grand Marais airport site (by Devil Track Landing).
There is a $10 fee, payable to Community Education. The Cook County ATV Club provides scholarships to any youths who cannot pay the fee. All students who successfully complete the safety training will also be treated to a pizza party with the DNR and volunteer instructors and will receive an ATV club T-shirt.
Safety Instructor Dick Parker encouraged parents to have their kids take this course. “Statistics show that 47 percent 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.”
“Just because you don’t own an ATV doesn’t mean your kid doesn’t need the training,” said Safety Instructor Chuck Silence. “There are more ATVs in the state than snowmobiles—you want them to be prepared to ride just in case they have the chance at a neighbor or friend’s house.”
Call (218) 387-2000 for more information. All registration forms and payment must be returned to Community Education by May 8.
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