Prince George, B.C. – Take the proper precautions if heading out on your all-terrain vehicle (ATV) this summer.

That was the message sent today during a media teleconference held jointly by Northern Health and the North District RCMP.

“ATV related injuries are a big concern in the North, we see the results of these injuries far too often,” said Northern Health injury prevention coordinator Shellie O’Brien. “We experience a much higher rate of ATV related injuries in the North of the province.”

She added “most of these injuries are seen in men, aged 18-29 and youth with the leading cause being driving under the influence of alcohol and or drugs and not wearing a helmet.”

In fact Holly Christian, Northern Health’s Regional Lead, Men’s Health/Physical Activity, said from 2006 to 2011, Northern Health had 33 related ATV deaths, over half of which involved alcohol or drugs (stats weren’t available for 2015).

She also noted such tragedies have a major impact on northern families adding they often are “devastating and life altering” for all involved.

Sergeant Al Steinhauser with the North District RCMP said ATV enthusiasts need to keep in mind the following rules:

-Follow applicable speed limits on forest service roads (80 km/hr) while wearing a seat-belt and helmet
-If you operate an ATV on or access the highway you are required to obtain basic insurance
-If riding on a forest service road purchasing third-party liability insurance
-Wear a sturdy pair of riding boots, gloves, a durable pair of goggles, long sleeved shirt and long pants and a chest protector
-Never ride an ATV on dry asphalt with four-wheel drive engages, as it’s the quickest cause of a rollover
-Choose the right type of ATV and take an ATV training course