As fall approaches and ATV riders head out to enjoy Saskatchewan’s countryside, the Saskatchewan All-Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA) is urging all riders to make safety training part of their routine.
“A certified ATV safety course is one of the best investments any rider can make,” said John Meed, Executive Director of SATVA. “Whether you’re a new rider or a seasoned one, formal training improves your skills, boosts your confidence, and can help prevent serious injuries.”
In Saskatchewan, ATV safety training is required by law for youth aged 12 to 15 who operate ATVs on public land and do not hold a valid driver’s licence. These riders must either complete a government-approved safety course or ride under the direct supervision of an adult who has held a driver’s licence for at least a year. But SATVA encourages everyone, including adults, to take a certified course.
“Many ATV incidents happen because the rider overestimates their ability or underestimates the terrain,” Meed said. “A training course provides hands-on experience in a safe environment, helping you make better riding decisions.
Certified ATV safety courses in Saskatchewan, including those taught by Canada Safety Council-certified instructors, cover a range of practical skills. Participants learn how to start, stop, and turn safely, navigate hills and uneven terrain, avoid obstacles, and manage unexpected situations. Courses also emphasize the importance of performing pre-ride checks, basic maintenance, environmental awareness, and respectful riding practices.
A list of approved safety course providers is available through the SATVA website at www.satva.ca/atv-safety, as well as through the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute and the Canada Safety Council websites. SATVA also reminds parents to ensure their children are riding age-appropriate machines and wearing proper safety gear. Training is a key part of that safety picture.
“Riding an ATV is not the same as driving a car or a bike,” said Meed. “It requires a unique set of skills — and those skills are best learned through proper instruction.”
Make this fall the season you commit to riding smarter. Take the course. Know the rules. Ride Safe, Ride Smart. For more information, contact: John Meed,General Manager, Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association, (306) 541-8427, info@satva.ca.