Starting this month it will be mandatory for users of off-highway vehicles (OHV) in Alberta to wear helmets when operating their machines on public lands.
The change comes following public consultations with ATV users, emergency responders, doctors, nurses and others.
While it remains to be seen whether riders will follow the new rule, what is certain is that the change makes sense on several levels, including most importantly because it could go a long way toward preventing serious injury and death.
Under provincial legislation OHVs include all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, four-wheel drive vehicles and side-by-sides.
Public lands include areas that have been designated for public OHV use, public roadways and highway rights-of-way.
With an average of 19 Albertans dying in OHV crashes every year – in many cases crashes involving head injuries – the move to make helmet use mandatory is all about public safety.
“Albertans told us overwhelmingly that they wanted us to make helmets a requirement for OHV riders, and we responded,” said Brian Mason, Alberta transportation minister.
“This (change) will keep riders safe so that OHVs can be enjoyed well into the future. This government has made a commitment to improving safety on Alberta's transportation network.”
Brent Hodgson, president of the Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association, added: “Head injuries are the number 1 risk to OHV riders. Making helmets mandatory will mean more riders will stay safe and continue to enjoy riding in Alberta's beautiful landscapes. The government of Alberta struck the right balance with this legislation.”
With medical costs of at least $50 million a year being attributed to OHV crashes, making helmet use mandatory also makes sense from a taxpayer point of view.
While the mandatory helmet rule comes with fines – ranging from $93 for not wearing an approved helmet to $155 for failing to wear a helmet – users will hopefully follow the rule simply because it makes sense.
And although not required by law, OHV users on private lands should also be encouraged to wear safety helmets.
Dan Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor.
