The attached voice message is available to radio stations in the province.

The message invites ATV users to be cautious during the ATV development and maintenance period. It also invites people to take advantage of ATV safety training courses available throughout the province.

ATV Riders Safety Courses are offered throughout the province. Register or register a child by clicking on the linked button at the top of the page reading "ATV RiderCourse, register here" or go directly to http://registration.atvquad.ca/.

The Canadian AQCC Safety Institute (CASI) - a division of the All-Terrain Quad Council of Canada (AQCC) - has joined forces with the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV) to offer the CASI ATV RiderCourse.

The hands-on, half-day CASI ATV RiderCourseSM is conducted by licensed CASI Instructors. The course offers students an opportunity to increase their safety knowledge and to practice basic riding skills in a controlled environment under the direct supervision of a licensed Instructor.

Program highlights include:

• Most current ATV safety program in Canada
• Most hands-on ATV safety program available
• Based on the well-recognized ATV Safety Institute (ASI) program
• Program enhanced with input from Chief Instructors across Canada
• Supported and endorsed by the Canadian Off Highway Vehicle Distributors Council and through the Council - all ATV major manufacturers

Our instructors have been trained to teach the CASI Program. The curriculum is as follows:

1. Introduction to the CASI ATV Rider Course;

2. Using a Range of Signals, Rules and Warm-up Exercises;

3. How to Control/starting the engine;

4. Starting Out, Shifting Gears and Braking;

5. Turning;

6. Riding Strategies;

7. Riding Circles & figure eights;

8. Quicker Turns;

9. Sharp Turns;

10. Quick Stop/Swerves;

11. Quick Stop in a Turn;

12. Riding Over Obstacles;

13. Safe &Responsible Riding Practices;

14. U-Turn / Traversing Hills;

15. Circuit or Trail Riding; and

16. Wrap-up & Review.
 
A signed consent form will be required from the parent or legal guardian and they must also attend the course with the youngster at all times.  No child will be allowed to ride without written parental consent and with the parent or legal guardian present. 

You are also responsible for bringing your child's ATV, helmet, protective gear and lunch for the course.

Cost

The cost of the course is $100. However, the New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation offers the following discounts:

• 100% rebate for the first 132 children from the ages 6 to 15
• 50% rebate for the first 132 NBATVF members
• Consequently, the cost for a non-member is $100.

There is a cost of $35 for the use of a Federation’s machine during the course.

For more information concerning the ATV Riders Course, please contact us at 1-888-847-1100 or e-mail us at nbatving@nb.aibn.com

Your helmet is the most important piece of protective gear for safe riding and can prevent a serious head injury. Goggles or a face shield will help protect your eyes from dust and small objects and help with visibility. When purchasing a helmet it must meet one of the following standards:

• Canadian Standards Association D230 "Safety Helmets for Motorcycle Riders"
• Snell Memorial Foundation "Standard for Protective Headgear"
• United States of America "Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218" and bear the symbol DOT
• American National Standard "Specifications for Protective Headgear for Vehicle User" Z90.1 (ANSI)

A long sleeved shirt or jersey and long pants are minimal requirements for rider protection. Offroad riding gear, such as pants with knee pads and a jersey with shoulder pads, provide better protection. Good gloves will help protect your hands from the cold, or the event of a spill. The most protective footwear is a pair of over-the-calf boots with heels to prevent your feet from slipping off the footrests.

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