(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Summer Safety

Staying safe on the trails this summer

May 21, 2019 | 2:00 PM

The temperatures have climbed and summer has come to Prince Albert and the surrounding area.

With the arrival of the summer season many are getting into some seasonal activities, which includes hitting the trails on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). With this in mind Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs with Parkland Ambulance said people need to have respect for the machines.

“We want people to remember these devices are a vehicle, they are not just simply a toy,” he said.

Over the Victoria Day long weekend paramedics were called to Shellbrook to take a man to hospital after an incident involving an ATV. According to Karasiuk the man has since been released from hospital.

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Karasiuk said people need to be riding ATVs that are appropriate for them, specifically kids should not be riding machines designed for adults. Another important consideration Karasiuk would like to see people take is wearing the proper clothing and gear, like a helmet, gloves and pants. He said in the past medics have had to deal with people who have suffered burns due to not wearing the proper clothes.

“Don’t hop on one of these things while at the lake and say oh I am just going to run down to the store to get some ice cream and I am wearing flip flops,” he said.

Another precautionary measure Karasiuk recommends riders take is to have a plan before they hit the trails and to also tell people about their plans.

“Leave a note at home saying look we’re going out this general direction, we expect to be back at this time,” he said.

The incidents which Parkland Ambulance get called to can vary. Karasiuk said they range from accidents where a vehicle was over loaded with people and someone getting injured, to people rolling their machines.

John Meed, general manager with the Saskatchewan ATV Association said his organization will soon be starting their safety campaign to raise awareness about how people can be safe while riding. One safety message he wished to hammer home was that people should not be drinking and riding.

“You really have got to be in charge of all your faculties and mixing riding and alcohol is just not a good thing,” he said.

Another issue Meed felt those riding should be aware of was where they are riding, so they can properly avoid hazards. He added people need to make sure to get permission before riding on private property.

“We always recommend, try to find a trail system and try to stay on marked trails,” he said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn