New off-road helmet law proposed

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

 

The government of Alberta is proposing the requirement of helmets to be worn while operating off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on public land.
Minister of Transportation Brian Mason introduced the amendments to the Traffic Safety Act that, if passed would require helmets for anyone riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, dirt bikes, etc. while out on the trail.
“For years, Albertans have been asking their government to take action to reduce the unnecessary injuries and deaths caused by head injuries on OHVs. If passed, the proposed amendments to the Traffic Safety Act would help prevent injuries and keep families safe and whole,” said Mason
The statistics are alarming. According to data from the Injury Prevention Centre, on average, there are approximately 19 people killed in Alberta each year while operating an OHV. From 2002-13, 185 people were killed while using OHVs; 74 of them were related to head trauma. Nearly 80 per cent of those injuries occurred to recreational users not wearing helmets.
“Brain injuries are the leading cause of injury and death for ATV riders and I had the misfortune of becoming one of the statistics after being critically injured while riding. I was not wearing a helmet. I fully support this bill and the clear message it sends about just how much value the Alberta government places on the health, safety and quality of life of all riders,” said Denise Pelletier, who survived a traumatic brain injury.
If the law is passed, people working on their farm or ranch would not require a helmet. The same goes for riding on private property, riding on First Nations and Metis Settlement land, and any OHV equipped with prescribed roll-over protection and seatbelts.