“Meanwhile, in Saskatchewan” – seems to be a meme that trends frequently. Whether it is our gale force winds, cold winters, tractors stuck in the mud or campground shenanigans, we live for the outdoors and all the work/fun that comes with it.  One of the prairies best features is our limitless boundaries. If you have a snowmobile in winter or an ATV, you can pretty much navigate through our entire province. The only thing that may stop you is a river or lake – which we are fortunate to have plenty of.

When you buy an ATV (Quad, Mini-bike, Dirt bike, UTV, Side-by-side, etc.), one of the first things you’re going to want to do is take it up to Nistbet Forest for trail riding or to go to the river hills and just “send it” – meaning “take it out for a rip, there bud.” Whatever your poison is, it is important to do a small bit a research before you go out for the ride of a lifetime.

One thing you’ll want to know is where you are allowed to drive? You can drive an ATV on Crown land (except for roads on Crown land), including highway right of ways (ditches). You can only drive an ATV on the travelled portion of a road or street, in the following circumstances:

• On a road or street authorized by a local bylaw
• On a road or street authorized by the Highway Traffic Board
• When crossing a road or bridge (unless prohibited by a local bylaw or the Highway Traffic Board)

You MUST have the permission of the land owner or occupant before you can drive an ATV on private land. Most snowmobile trails forbid the use of ATV’s on their marked trails. Look for signs indicating permission, prohibition or restrictions or contact your local municipality for more information. In a public area, the operator must be able to provide proof of insurance (liability). Please contact us to see if you have this coverage or would like to add it.

When riding it is important to be cautious and think “safety first.” Always wear an approved motorcycle helmet and appropriate protective eye wear – both are legally required when operating or riding on ATVs in public. A person must be 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license to operate an ATV in any public area. Youth between 12 and 15 can operate an ATV in public areas and may cross roads – but cannot drive on roads – if they have passed approved ATV training course or if they are supervised by someone who has held a driver’s license continuously for the past 365 days. It is also illegal to operate an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol – even on private land. For some information on training or a safety course – please click here.

If a collision occurs – it is important to do the following:

• Remain at the scene or return immediately after notifying authorities
• Provide all reasonable assistance
• Notify the property owners of any damage
• Inform property owners, in writing, of the names of the ATV owner and the operator
• Submit a written report if there is an injury or death

 

These toys can be a lot of fun, but it is very important you have done your due diligence beforehand, so you don’t have an awful surprise after/during a claim. Nobody wants to have a collision or theft and not be covered – whether it is for damage to the ATV itself or for injury or damage to someone else or their property. Our priority is to keep you informed and keep you safe. If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.