I am writing this letter regarding ATV safety requirements that should be in place in response to the ‘Refusals to act on ATVs negligent’ editorial in the Wednesday, July 7 Gazette.
My heart breaks for the family that lost their 15-year-old daughter. I have lived that story also and my heart hurts every day because of it. I lost a family member three years ago to an ATV accident and the pain is still just as bad today as it was three years ago.
If you had asked me about ATVs back then I probably would have given you the same insight most people have on them. They're fun, it's great to get out there and just cruise around. Why? Because they're safe, right? They're just toys. It's unfortunate that most people, including our government, think this way because of all the things ATVs are, they're not toys. They are large, heavy machines and in reality a lot of riders have no idea about handling them safely. When you are perched atop a few hundred pounds of unforgiving metal, you really need to know what you're dealing with because one mistake can be fatal. Believe me I know. I learned the hard way.
I think that it is out of necessity that these bylaws regarding ATV safety be passed. I think that everyone needs to be properly educated in the handling and safety of these machines. You need a licence to drive a car right? Another to drive a motorcycle? So why on earth do you need no education or training to climb onto an ATV, which is equally dangerous? I think that these have been thought of as safe for too long and too many people don't take them as seriously as needed.
It's time to take action and educate everyone young and old about the hazards associated with ATV use. I think that anyone who has lost a loved one or even had someone they love injured using one of these would agree. We have people going to schools to speak about drunk driving, and anti-bullying; why not have someone go and discuss the dangers and proper safety and handling of ATVs? I think that they are popular enough that it would hit home to a lot of people and educating just one person could save a life, whether it be their own or that of someone they love. I know I for one am willing to share my story with the world if it would save just one family from the pain mine feels every day.
Name withheld by request, Morinville
