Think safety when riding ATVs

Published May 23, 2012
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett
JBER Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDDON, Alaska -- Many people enjoy riding all-terrain vehicles in Alaska, almost regardless of the weather.
Because there are so many more options with ATVs than motorcycles, for example, safety on and around Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is even more important.

"I had somewhere between 800 to 1,000 ATV drivers last year," said R.C. Harrop, 673d Force Support Squadron outdoor recreation programmer and native of Eagle River. "That number comes from regular outdoor activities and safety classes. The mission of the safety class is to bring safety and awareness to people running ATVs and to give strategies to reduce risk."

The safety course for ATV drivers originally started in hopes of reducing the amount of accidents.

"In 2009, we had 30 ATV accidents," said Dave Head, Army Alaska safety officer and native of Peters Creek, Alaska. "So in 2010, we knew we had a problem and we started this safety training program here."

JBER's training program is based on the National ATV Safety Institute, said Harrop. JBER instructors were trained by the ATV Safety Institute.

"We've dramatically decreased numbers since starting the classes in 2010," he said.
Last year, there were only six ATV accidents.

"There haven't been any fatalities, but there's been some serious stuff," he said. "One girl broke her neck; she wasn't paralyzed and they were able to fix her, but there's been some serious injuries. Having 800 pounds roll over you isn't an easy thing. Use good risk management when deciding what to do. A lot of people will go up the side of a mountain that's too steep."

With their new safety class, "We actually got the Army Risk Management Safety award," he said. "That's a Department of the Army worldwide competition."

"The problems come when people don't have the training," he said. "They try to do things that exceed their capability or their equipment capability. That's why we offer these classes."

The course also offers certification.

"It's like the motorcycle safety course," he said. "You get certified for life and that's good anywhere in the U.S. There are some states in the lower 48 that are getting strict because of the number of accidents over the past 10 years."

To attend the class, trainees need to bring their own the safety gear.

"We have recommended minimum safety requirements," he said. "Drivers need to wear boots, eye protection, gloves, long sleeved shirts and pants, reflective belt and helmet. Much of the information is basically the same as riding a motorcycle. If you ride here on post, you have to have your card with you, just like with a motorcycle.

"Unlike with motorcycles, ATV's allow for riding in more weather conditions, but you have to be aware of the environment. Safety comes first. Make sure you dress appropriately and you don't drive across a river that's bigger than your machine."

Harrop recommends calling ahead to get scheduled for a class.

"We mostly have class on Tuesdays," he said. "Call and check for times because that will vary. We try to meet the customer requirements, but the max we can have in a class is eight people at a time. Trainees can go to Building 794 on JBER-Richardson to sign a form. Classes are actually taught at Dyea Ski Hill."

The classes are free if done through the JBER Safety office.

If the driver uses their own vehicle, it's free through Outdoor Recreation, which runs most of the classes.

"If the driver doesn't have their own vehicle, it costs $50," he said. "We subtract that cost against the first major trip or first rental. So it doesn't cost anything if you come back."
The class is generally available to anyone of any service.

"We don't care what color uniform you have on," he said. "We take care of service members and dependents age 16 and above. If you can get on base, you qualify."
For more information, contact R.C. Harrop at 428-0001 or visit www.atvsafety.org/