The Canada Safety Council (CSC) believes that Nova Scotia is taking a dangerous step backward by reversing a decision to make all-terrain vehicles (ATV) riders take a safety course, just as the course was becoming widely available. Mandating the ATV rider training course may have been hasty in the first place and the CSC would rather see incentives for training for riders of all ages.

The Off-Highway Vehicle Act passed by the legislature in 2005 required all riders to be certified. The Conservative Government announced new regulations in March 2007, taking the unusual step of over-ruling that statute. The revised regulations change the training requirements for some experienced off-highway vehicle operators. Safety training courses will no longer be required for a person (or his/her common-law/ married spouse or domestic partner) who:

Natural Resources Minister David Morse announced the changes when ATV enthusiasts showed up at Province House in Halifax , Nova Scotia to protest the law. He explained that the new safety rules strike a balance. Experienced riders can skip the safety training - but only if they register their machine, and have a valid driver's license. "As long as they meet the criteria, I think we have done our due diligence," Morse said.

ATV Course Takes a Step Backward

purchased an off-highway vehicle prior to April 1, 2006 , and
registered an off-highway vehicle on or before Sept. 30, 2007 , and
has a current driver's license.

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		ATV Course Takes a Step Backward The Canada Safety Council (CSC) believes that Nova Scotia is taking a dangerous step backward by reversing a decision to make all-terrain vehicles (ATV) riders take a safety course, just as the course was becoming widely available. Mandating the ATV rider training course may have been hasty in the first place and the CSC would rather see incentives for training for riders of all ages. The Off-Highway Vehicle Act passed by the legislature in 2005 required all riders to be certified. The Conservative Government announced new regulations in March 2007, taking the unusual step of over-ruling that statute. The revised regulations change the training requirements for some experienced off-highway vehicle operators. Safety training courses will no longer be required for a person (or his/her common-law/ married spouse or domestic partner) who: purchased an off-highway vehicle prior to April 1, 2006 , and registered an off-highway vehicle on or before Sept. 30, 2007 , and has a current driver's license. Natural Resources Minister David Morse announced the changes when ATV enthusiasts showed up at Province House in Halifax , Nova Scotia to protest the law. He explained that the new safety rules strike a balance. Experienced riders can skip the safety training - but only if they register their machine, and have a valid driver's license. "As long as they meet the criteria, I think we have done our due diligence," Morse said. The CSC does not agree. Traffic safety and training manager George Smith said that even the most experienced riders would benefit from the course. Meeting criteria like being married to an experienced rider, or holding a driver's license, does nothing to increase rider safety on ATVs. "Riding an ATV is nothing like driving a car. The characteristics of it are totally different," he said. "They are great vehicles if handled properly. But certainly, if not handled, they cause death and injury." ATV rider incentives such as public trail riding privileges for 14 and 15 year old riders could be put in place. Additional incentives for ATV course graduates such as lower insurance fees could also encourage voluntary training course registration for all ages. In the category of sports and recreation, ATV-related activities are now the third most common cause of severe injuries next to cycling and snowmobiling. With increased exposure has come a rise in injuries — most of them preventable. The CSC's ATV Rider Course is a hands-on training program led by certified instructors. It offers an enjoyable and structured approach to proper ATV operation. For more information contact George Smith at (613) 739-1535, ext. 227. Source: Brian Flinn at The Daily News Return to top of page

ATV Course Takes a Step Backward

purchased an off-highway vehicle prior to April 1, 2006 , and registered an off-highway vehicle on or before Sept. 30, 2007 , and has a current driver's license.

purchased an off-highway vehicle prior to April 1, 2006 , and
registered an off-highway vehicle on or before Sept. 30, 2007 , and
has a current driver's license.