Tips on practicing ATV safety

At least 385 people died in all-terrain vehicle-related accidents in 2014, according to a report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

On average each year, between two and four people die at the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, said Ben Cisna, a park ranger.

There’s always a risk, but being prepared can help ATV riders avoid injury or death.

One of the biggest things is having a way to communicate with your group or a way to call for help.

“One guy we’re riding with today, broke his neck three months ago,” ATV enthusiast Levi Solberg said. “He’s back out here today, but we were lucky we could communicate when we were in the hills with him. Got a helicopter to him, got him home, got him safe.”

“You could just break down,” Cisna said. “If your vehicle breaks down 7 miles out on the west end of the dunes, and you have no way of calling somebody, you could be in a pretty bad situation.”

There’s also protective gear such as helmets, eye protection, etc.

“I don’t want to discourage anyone from riding out here,” Cisna said. “It’s a dangerous place, but if you take it seriously and take the proper safety precautions you can have a lot of fun out here.”

For more information about ATVs at the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, follow this link.