An All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) is a motorized vehicle that utilizes the concept of low-pressure tires that has a seat with a specific design to be straddled by the rider and handlebars to control the steering.
As the name suggests, an ATV has the design to operate over a wide region of terrain compared to other vehicles.
The majority of the ATVs are designed to be in use by a single individual and are called Type I ATVs. Whereas some of the ATVs have the design intended to be in use by the operator and a passenger and are known as tandem ATVs or Type II ATVs.
Safety is the primary concern with ATVs pertaining to a large number of mortalities and severe injuries recorded due to the negligible protection provided by ATVs. They have proved to have a more risk factor than a dirt bikes as the rider refrains to wear safety gear.
ATVs are found to be as dangerous as riding a motorcycle by the data analysis of the deaths and injuries.
Moreover, the ratio of injuries to women and children is more with a less helmet usage rate. It is prevalent that most of the injuries can be eliminated with the use of proper protection gears.
The manufacturers have issued a guideline that suggests the use of a suitable helmet, hand gloves, proper eye gear, and discrete riding boots for different riding conditions.
The adaptation to using proper protective gear can help to avoid any fatal accidents in different terrains while riding an ATV. The use of a helmet was not mandatory in previous times. But in January 2006, it is a must to wear a helmet while riding an ATV.
As per the norms, the owner is required to carry a First Aid Kit and hazard sign alongside, and a reflective vest if the ATV is registered as an agricultural vehicle, but the scarcity of storage refrains the police officials to monitor the back side of ATV, but the lack of require protection gear may result into legal prosecution.
At times, the accidents may not occur on the direct cause of the rider but may result from the negligence of the passerby.
There may be even a possibility of a defect incurred in the system installation ranging from tires, fenders, clutch, gas tank, throttle, etc. that may end up causing a disaster. If there is any suspect of the defected automobile part that resulted in an accident, then it is advisable to file a claim.
The accidents caused by riding an ATV are fatal but the individuals find it more fun to drive the vehicle outweighing its demerits.
It is not bad to ride an ATV and enjoy the fun of riding on occasions or weekends but is it mandatory to follow the norms set up by the concerned authority for the safety of the individual and the environment?
With the increasing use of Off-Road Vehicles in Vancouver BC for work purposes as well as entertainment, the off-road vehicle rules in Vancouver BC are set up by the officials to avoid ATV accidents are:
- Register your vehicle under ORV Act.
- Never consume alcohol while riding an ATV.
- Make sure you are always riding with an approved helmet and required protective gear.
- Keep the lights on while driving in low-visible conditions.
- Supervision of adults is a must when ATV is driven by children having appropriate age and minimum weight.
- The driver must carry a driving license to make it easy for the official to identify the correct age of the adult supervisor and the child driving an ATV.
- A child is not permitted to drive an ATV with a passenger or an on-highway vehicle.
- It is recommended to wear a seat belt if provided by the manufacturer.
Where to Ride an ATV in Vancouver BC?
The majority of the land in Canada is Crown Land i.e. almost 89% which is under the federal and provincial government management. They have been authorized to completely evaluate and utilize the resources, and develop trails, parks, and much more.
For riding on private land, you need to have a permit from the land owner or the managing firm if the tracks are developed on private land. It is mandatory to meet the criteria for riding an ATV.
The Crown land region is huge and it is a tedious task to ride which incorporates the use of ATVs in Crown land. It is a must for any off-road vehicle to have proper registration, license, and valid insurance.
The government authority has issued regulations to wear proper mufflers, and safety gear, and have spark arrestors installed in the vehicle which avoids the fire in the forest portion.
If you are willing to not get into any kind of trouble related to the permitted locations to drive an ATV, it is an ideal solution to join an off-roading rider association which may provide easy access to the trails, races, etc, and has a risk free exposure to the motorized terrain.