Province Launches All-terrain Vehicle Youth Initiative
Nova Scotia youth will use new all-terrain vehicles to learn to drive safely and responsibly at appropriate locations throughout the province.
The Department of Health Promotion and Protection, All-terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia, Arctic Cat, Bombardier, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Blair Agencies launched the All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) Youth Initiative today, June 18, in Dartmouth.
The program will provide education for parents and youth as a first step in learning to drive an ATV safely.
"It is critical for the province to teach our youth the skills necessary to safely operate an all-terrain vehicle," said Chris d'Entremont, acting Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "This initiative will give youth training they will hold on to for the rest of their lives, and will help them prevent injuries and be responsible riders."
The province, in partnership with the manufacturers and dealers, purchased 66 youth-sized vehicles for use in safety training and education.
Training courses will teach youth how to operate an ATV, rules and ethics of driving, use of proper safety equipment and appropriate places to drive. The program also focuses on teaching parents and guardians to supervise their child on an ATV.
Instructors of the courses are approved by the Canadian Safety Council and must be accredited by the minister of Health Promotion and Protection.
The Youth All-terrain Vehicle Initiative was established to provide instructors with appropriately sized ATVs when training youth.
The vehicles will be available at safety-training sites throughout the province for youth ages six to 15.
The total investment in the project from the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, All-terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia, ATV manufacturers and dealers will be more than $330,000.
To register for courses, parents or guardians can contact an instructor in their area by visiting www.gov.ns.ca/natr/ohv/allterrainvehicle.asp or calling 1-877-OHV-LINE (1-877-648-5463).