Some proposed changes to the Traffic Safety Act (TSA) came before Legislature on Monday, November 28.

Minister of Transportation, Brian Mason introduced the amendments which would make helmets mandatory for off-highway vehicle (OHV) users while on public land.

“Helmets are the first piece of safety equipment we strongly recommend to our users. We applaud the government for introducing these amendments and hope to see the proposed helmet legislation become law in Alberta,” said Brent Hodgson, President, Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association.

The law would apply to dirt bikes, quads, snowmobiles, and more. Side-by-side vehicles with proper seat belts and a roll cage would not apply.

Farmers and ranchers will not apply to the potential changes, and helmets would not be necessary on First-Nations or Metis Settlement land.

“For years, Albertans have been asking their government to take action to reduce the unnecessary injuries and deaths caused by head injuries on OHV's. If passed, the proposed amendments to the Traffic Safety Act would help prevent injuries and keep families safe and whole,” said Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation.

Approximately 19 people are killed in Alberta every year while operating OHV's. Almost 80 per cent of those deaths involved people not wearing helmets.

For more information, visit the Ministry of Transportation website.