ATV Safety

Published: 2022
By Ken Nelson

A major programming focus in 2022 was again in All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) safety. ATVs are widely used on most Montana farms and ranches. Farmers and ranchers, as well as their employees and family members, are involved in too many accidents involving ATVs, resulting in serious injuries and deaths. Approximately 160 youth and 75 adults were involved in ATV Safety-related events through McCone County MSU Extension. Five events included ATV Rider Courses (the five-hour hands-on training that results in ATV Safety Certification by the ATV Safety Institute), school presentations, and youth farm safety camps. The school presentations and youth farm safety camps employ small group sessions that show, up close, the dangers of ATVs and the importance of safety gear, as well as the importance of using age-appropriate ATVs and always riding with adult supervision. In addition to the programming offered, 250 ATV safety brochures were supplied for an ATV safety awareness event that was held in a neighboring community.