Ways to Stay Safe on ATVs this Fall

Taking a fall ATV joy ride out on our stunning Alberta trails is a great way to soak up the sun and have fun. However, your sunny fall ride can take a turn for the worse without the proper precautions. Fortunately, our James H. Brown and Associates team is here to help! Below we’ll cover some ways to protect yourself against ATV accidents while out trail riding or working on the farm and the steps you should take if an accident occurs. Are you ready to learn about keeping your family safe this ATV riding season? Continue reading to learn more!

Ride Responsibly

ATVs are used all year round, from summertime trail riding at your favourite provincial park to finishing chores on the family farm. With more people riding ATVs in the fall, it’s essential to be aware of some safety precautions you can take to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. Below are a few ways you can make riding your ATVs safer this fall:

• Always wear a properly-fitted helmet and other safety gear while riding. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, boots, goggles, and gloves are highly recommended to keep you safe.
• Stick to designated trails and keep your ATV off paved roads, except where it’s appropriate to cross. All-terrain vehicles are only designed for off-road riding, so they can be more challenging to control on the pavement.
• Always ride at a speed that is safe and within your control.
• Do not ride your ATV if there’s poor visibility or its night time.
• Avoid driving an ATV if you’ve been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driving impaired dramatically reduces your judgement and reaction time and is illegal.
• Children should never be left unsupervised while riding an ATV. As often times children are not eligible to operate an ATV due to age, size, or weight restrictions.
• Keep up with your ATVs’ regular maintenance schedule to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
• Avoid carrying a passenger on your ATV. While there are some exceptions, most ATVs are designed for one rider at a time. When driving an ATV, you need to be able to adjust your weight to compensate for the riding conditions. A passenger can complicate this weight shift. If your ATV is designed for passengers, always stay within the owner’s manual’s recommended limits.

All-terrain vehicles are a great way to enjoy trail riding this fall or get jobs done around the farm. You can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries by taking extra care and precaution to ensure all riders are as safe as possible. However, from amateurs to seasoned riders, accidents can happen to anyone. No matter how careful you are, there is always the chance that the unexpected will happen. If you or a loved one are in an ATV accident, follow the steps outlined below to ensure you receive the care, justice, and compensation you deserve. 

What to Do if an ATV Accident Occurs?

If the worst-case scenario has happened and you or a loved one have gotten into an ATV accident, the critical first step is making sure everyone involved is okay. ATV accidents can be hazardous as they may occur with other ATVs, nature, or motor vehicles, and often in rural or isolated locations. If possible, move the affected ATVs and drivers to a safe place and take extreme caution in case of severe injuries. It’s important to note that shock and adrenaline will often make victims feel “fine” even if they’re injured. So make sure to call 911 immediately and get everyone medically assessed on the scene. Doing this will ensure that all affected drivers get the medical attention they need and help you if you need to file a personal injury claim later on. 

Once all riders have been assessed, and it’s safe to do so, you’ll want to collect as much information regarding the accident as possible. If another party is involved, get the driver’s/rider’s names, addresses, insurance policy numbers, and license plate details. If feasible, document everything with photos and videos to have the most comprehensive accident report possible. 

ATV accidents have a significant injury risk as riders are not as well protected as someone in a car. When it comes to injuries, it’s critical to remember that not all injuries are immediately apparent. Regardless of when an accident occurs, always seek medical attention as soon as possible and document any issues that emerge. Traumatic Brain Injuries and Spinal Cord Injuries can take days to weeks to show symptoms. The more you record, document, and stay in touch with a medical professional, the better your subsequent support can be. If you notice any of the following symptoms, reach out to your doctor immediately: 

• Nausea or vomiting
• Problems walking or balancing
• Loss of sensations
• Contorted back or neck
• Disrupted sleep
• Blurred vision
• Disproportionate fatigue
• Difficulties with focusing, and more.

Once you have had the opportunity to be medically assessed and have a better idea of your injuries, the next step is to reach out to a trusted team of injury lawyers. Regardless of the cause or fault of the accident, victims like you deserve to have peace of mind, know their rights, and have access to legal support. That way, they can begin the challenging road to recovery. At James H. Brown and Associates, we’re here to help Albertans get the justice and compassion they deserve after an ATV accident.

Have You Been in an ATV Accident?

ATV accidents are complicated as several factors can affect riders. From licensing, impairment, trail conditions, Alberta’s Farm regulations, and the overall complexity of Alberta’s recreational vehicle laws can dramatically influence the nature of your accident claim. If you or a family member have been in an ATV accident, you’ll need a team of experienced injury lawyers to help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. So you and your family can turn your attention to healing and getting back to living your life. With over 250 years of combined experience, James H. Brown and Associates understand firsthand the complexities of accident law. Our expert team can assist you and your family throughout your injury claim. 

Are you interested in learning more about how James H. Brown and Associates can assist you with your ATV accident claim? Contact our team today to find out!