An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a small, specialized piece of mobile equipment designed for use on rough, unpaved ground. The operator sits on a saddle-like seat and steers with handlebars (unlike most other small vehicles which have a chair or bench-type seats and are controlled with a steering wheel). The ATV has four large balloon-like tires, with very low air pressure.

Most important, the ATV is designed to be "driver-active". On a "driver active" vehicle such as an ATV, a motorcycle or a snowmobile, the operator's body movements help control the vehicle's stability. Driver active vehicles require a strong combination of skill, good judgment, attention and physical strength.

Check out these links for more information on safe ATV usage, preventing injuries, and the all terrain vehicle provincial legislative chart which breaks down each province's minimum operating age, location for use, and supervision regulations.

All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety for Agricultural Workers Manual

Canadian Paedriatic Society: Preventing injuries from all-terrain vehicles

• All-terrain vehicles: Safety tips for families

Safe Kids Canada: information on all-terrain vehicle safety

• All-terrain vehicle safety
• Off-highway vehicles
• All terrain vehicle provincial legislative chart
• Ontario Medical Association position statement
• Alberta position statement - ATV's are not for kids
• B.C. MANAGES OFF-ROAD VEHICLES - Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts

New off-road vehicle rules for New Brunswick

MPI’s Safety tips for ATV riders

• Driving Tips on ATVs
• The Off-Road Vehicles Act for Manitoba
• Off-Road Vehicles brochure

Safety Services Manitoba: ATV and Snowmobile Safety training

Canada Safety Council’s ATV Rider Course

National Safety Council’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety

Farm Safety Tips for ATV Safety

ATV Safety Institute

Mississippi 4-H ATV Safety

• All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety