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- Blogroll (6)
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- 15. February 2010: Used Vehicle
- 15. February 2010: A NEW start with a new vehicle Apply Today First Choice Auto Finder financing
- 6. June 2009: FirstChoiceAutoFinder the big stop for use vehicles
- 13. May 2009: FirstChoiceAutoFinder Used vehicles
- 28. April 2009: FirstChoiceAutoFinder Business
- 19. January 2009: Advertising at FirstChoiceAutoFinder
- 19. January 2009: FirstChoiceAutoFinders - FirstChoiceAutoFinder
- 28. December 2008: FirstChoiceAutoFinder / First Choice Auto Finder
- 7. December 2008: First Choice Auto Finder
- 3. December 2008: First Choice
Archive for the Uncategorized Category
FirstChoiceAutoFinders - FirstChoiceAutoFinder
19. January 2009 by admin.
At FirstChoiceAutoFinder It has become ever apparent that gas prices have gotten out of hand. The time of the guzzling SUV’s are behind us as production of the Hummer, Tahoe, and Suburban have come to an all time low. Gas prices have truly hit a sore spot in the average Canadian’s wallet. Now, as Canadians, we frown upon our once beloved cars and view at them as a vacuum that is sucking our savings dry because of their poor gas mileage. There is light at the end of the tunnel. There are some things we can do to combat rising gas prices, and increase our fuel economy, such as hypermiling, auto advertising, using gas saving devices, and performing basic car maintenance www.asapautofinder.com.
The first thing you may be asking yourself is, “What is hypermiling”? Hypermiling, is a term that describes a type of driver what utilizes special driving techniques in an effort to maximize and increase fuel efficiency. Hypermiling can be divided in two classes: beginners and advanced. Most people/drivers will fall into the beginner category therefore we will stress some of the basic techniques of hypermiling. One key aspect of becoming a hyper miler is car maintenance; key areas include maintaining high tire pressure, tire balance, wheel alignment engine oil with low-kinematics viscosity/ low “weight” motor oil. Pay close attention to your engine control module & sensors for proper engine operation especially the oxygen sensor. Safety is never to be neglected, one area most people / drivers neglect is their headlights, especially if they have become cloudy or foggy, they will greatly affect visibility at night and become an eye sore on an otherwise great looking vehicle. A headlight cleaner or a headlight restoration kit (like the one available online by The Headlight Solution at www.headlightsolution.net can clean and restore those cloudy, foggy headlights like new.
Another factor in increasing gas mileage is by simply minimizing mass by either driving a lighter weight vehicle and/or reducing extra weight such as luggage, tools, equipment, and even the spare tire if you have roadside assistance might be considered. Maintaining an efficient speed, while cruising with no stops, at minimal throttle in highest gear, is also very important in fuel efficiency. In general, good fuel economy is achieved/maximized when acceleration and braking are minimized, so the key is to be aware of your surroundings, and anticipate what is happening ahead in order to maximize coasting time. According to a the Government study, just by getting your engine tuned properly can increase gas mileage by an average of 4.7%. The most important aspect is the oxygen sensor which greatly affects performance / fuel economy by as much as 40%. So check out that engine light. Make sure to keep tires inflated; the reasoning is because low tire pressure increases resistance therefore making your car work harder. Also, make sure to check your tire pressure monthly. A lot of people think that their car runs on just gas but in actuality a car needs gas and oxygen, that is why it is so important to check you air filter twice a year and replace it every 10,000-12,000 miles. The Energy Department has estimated that one could save as much as .22¢ a gallon just by replacing by replacing a dirty air filter. A lot of people think it is simply OK to put just any old motor oil into their vehicle engine, but in fact, it does matter, and can save you some money just by using the recommended engine oil for your vehicle. Stay on top of your car’s maintenance schedule shown in your owner’s manual to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. Lastly, remember the phase “Get the Junk out of the Trunk” by doing so you can save some money over the course of your gas tank. So get those Golf Clubs, Luggage, Newspapers, and Generators out of there and who know knows maybe you’ll find something you have been looking for a long time.
Some drivers have escaped the rising gas costs by transforming their vehicles. Not by altering their vehicle’s engine, but by altering the outside, by allowing businesses to advertise on their vehicles. Today auto advertising has become widely popular, and for today’s driver / owner it has also become a way of getting “free gas” so to speak. Gas is never free, but it is like driving your vehicle for free because these sponsors and or businesses are paying you to drive your vehicle to promote them. Therefore, you are in a way getting paid to drive your own car. Whether it may be a decal, a magnet, or even what is called and auto wrap. An auto wrap is a vinyl covering over your vehicle where they wrap part or the entire vehicle in an advertisement. How much money can you earn monthly depends in the sponsor, what type of advertising is on your vehicle, and how many miles you drive. To even be considered as a possible candidate one must drive at least 800 miles monthly, drive in, or through busy / congested cities or college campuses, and park in public places where the vehicle can easily be seen at all time. Getting auto advertising, an autowrap, or getting paid to drive is highly sought after, so companies that are providing these services have a long waiting list and are picking and choosing the best candidate based on new / old vehicles, driving distances and routes taken to maximize visibility and exposure.
The last advice we have to give concerning fuel economy and ways to save at the gas pump is by owning a gas saving device. But the question to ask is, “do they actually work?” and if so, “which ones?” Recently, Yahoo, conducted a study testing these devices and only recommended the digital fuel mizer as a gas saving device worth having. It is a simple electronic device that monitors and alerts if the driver is driving too aggressively either by accelerating too fast or braking too harshly. When driving the vehicle efficiently one will not hear the alert and the colored rising bar will stay dim. But the one true gas saving device that is proven and cost nothing is something most drivers already have and use. The device is known as your right foot; studies have shown you can get 35% better fuel mileage just by using your sacred right foot properly. By that note, you must lay off the pedal, accelerate more slowly, lift your foot when approaching a stop, coast more, and on the highway or whenever possible use your cruise control. If you have been accused of a having a lead foot trade it in because in these times of high gas prices the slower you go the more fuel efficient you’ll be on the highways.
So in short by way of hypermiling, auto advertising, using gas saving devices, and basic vehicle routine maintenance one can combat or even in some cases beat soaring gas prices. This article has been brought to you by The Headlight Solution, your answer to cloudy foggy headlights. We hope that by providing these tips the average Canadian can stretch their dollar during these tough times and continue to keep the roads safe. www.firstchoiceautofinder.com
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FirstChoiceAutoFinder / First Choice Auto Finder
28. December 2008 by admin.
www.firstchoiceautofinder.org Financing – When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, you have many choices to consider for what best suits your needs such as how much you can afford, what terms of an auto loan you prefer, or if a car lease might make more sense.
The professionals at First Choice Auto Finder offer piece of mind and can help you make sense of it all. We provide the tools for sensible car finance information and the latest on auto loans. This helps minimize and eliminate the usual exhausting and sometimes overwhelming experience of purchasing a vehicle.
FirstChoiceAutoFinder offers the advantages of a great price, superior customer service, and the opportunity for excellent terms with financing. We eliminate most of the paper work and the majority of processing by working with our network of multiple banks and finance company’s all across Canada. The result is the best possible deal for you the consumer.
This service is fast, free and with absolutely no obligation. In most instances we can begin to arrange your special finance needs in a matter of few hours and not days so you can get behind the wheel of that dream vehicle a lot sooner. By filling out our quick online questionnaire, find out how easy and painless financing through us can be.
Buying a Used Vehicle – The Difference between wanting and needing a vehicle
As obvious as the phrase ‘find a car that suits your needs’ is, the assessment of your future transportation deserves specific and special attention. The right choice should take some research and thorough preparation. You may ‘want’ a particular vehicle but that does not necessarily mean it will do the jobs you need it to do.
The ‘need’ for a vehicle should suit your lifestyle or serve its purpose in its own right. Occupations, hobbies, and family’s age are just a few examples of what should be considered. As an example, you may want to lean more towards the safety of a mid to large sized sedan instead of a small economy-machine for the inexperienced teenager in the family. Or that rear-wheel V-8 you have been eying might not be as ideal as previously thought if you do a lot of winter driving.
With all things considered, a good conscious effort should be put forth to ensure the confidence in buying your next vehicle. Reliability, Gas Mileage, Performance, and Transmission type are just a few of these things. At First Choice Auto Finder , our professionals can assess your situation and help you make a decision you can feel good about.
A Greener Vehicle By www.firstchoiceautofinder.biz – The Common Misconception
As it is now commonly known, the benefits of a greener vehicle equal to a decrease in harmful emissions and in turn there is far less impact on our environment. The misconception is it will cost the consumer more to have a greener car and this is simply not true. Hybrid Vehicles have come a long way and the cost of owning one has dropped considerably over the last decade.
Most provincial governments have adapted to, or in the midst of incorporating tax breaks and incentives when you purchase a green vehicle. So along with the money you will already be saving at the pumps, some additional perks come with the thought of doing your part and going green on the road while not breaking the bank.
At FirstChoiceAutoFinder, there is no doubt in our minds hybrid vehicles are the way of the future. And with already a good choice in the market today from leading manufacturers like Honda and Toyota to name a few, we will do our best in offering you a great selection of new and used hybrids.
If Hybrids are something you don’t see yourself in the immediate near future, you can still do your part on the road. Here are a few tips we would like to remind you of to keep things a little more green:
Tires - Cut down and Pump Up:
Regular checkups for correct tire pressure not only give you better gas mileage, it also means your engine doesn’t have to work harder with under inflated tires. This will cut down the CO2 emissions produced from the vehicle.
Carry less = less CO2
Extra goods in the trunk of a vehicle or even inside it is simply extra weight you’re carrying around. By removing the items you can reduce CO2 emissions with less engine workload.
Less Stop and Go
The more you stop and go, the more fuel is used by the engine, resulting in more CO2. Make that extra effort to watch traffic up ahead and slow down a little earlier by gently releasing your foot from the accelerator while keeping the car in gear.
High Revs
A car of the modern world have been designed to be fuel efficient from the moment they come off the line so if you rev up like you were in pole position on Dayton Race Track, your only wasting fuel and increasing engine wear. By simply changing up to a gear a little earlier in the bandwidth, you can reduce over revving and CO2 Emissions.
AUTO Burglary Prevention Tips From www.firstchoiceautofinder.com:
Don’t leave your valuables in your car
This sounds like common sense but drivers and passengers make the mistake more than one would think and leave items of value in plain view every day. By leaving valuable items visible in your vehicle, it becomes an automatic target.
Out of sight, Out of mind
If it’s required to leave valuable items in your vehicle while out and about, move the items out of sight before you reach your destination. This includes packages, gym bags, GPS units, MP3 Players and so on. Be conscious that someone could be watching when you put items under a seat or toss something over them. A thief looks for opportunity and can break into your car the minute you’re out of site.
Lock up what fits
If there are particular items you cannot take with you, you can at least lock some of these items that might fit into your glove box. A typical glove box is capable of locking and is usually generous in how many items it can hold. Whatever you can’t fit into your glove box, you can always toss in the trunk. Take the extra time to do so to ensure the safety of your items.
Park in visible well-lighted areas
Do your best to try to park in well traveled areas. Stay away from the large anonymous lots that are much more prone to hits by thieves and park adjacent to residential housing or other occupied buildings. Picking your parking spot on a busy campus day is always easier said than done but try to locate a well lighted, visible parking spot with plenty of vehicle and pedestrian movement.
If you can take the car, take the car
Common auto-burglary targets are SUVs and pickups. Thieves target these types of vehicles because they don’t have a trunk to hold valuables and this results in the driver/passenger to simply hide their items. It only takes seconds for a thieve to check under and behind seats so if you have the choice, take the car, and lock these items in your trunk.
These preventative measures are just some of the many tips to consider next time you’re on the road to ensure a safe trip. Common tasks of remembering to lock all doors and to set any alarm or anti theft devices further adds to your security. Also remember that many merchants offer free home delivery and this is also a great way to protect your purchases while making shopping more enjoyable.
Items Most Commonly Stolen from Vehicles:
Cash/coins, checkbooks and credit/debit cards
Wallets and purses (even when hidden under a seat or in unlocked glove compartment)
Laptops, IPods, MP3 players and docking stations
Cell phones, chargers, and Portable GPS navigation systems
Stereo/CD players, faceplate’s, amps, and speakers (yes…even when bolted down!) Thanks from www.firstchoiceautofinder.net
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First Choice Auto Finder
7. December 2008 by admin.
goodbusinessreport.com - Businesses that do it right

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First Choice
3. December 2008 by admin.
At First Choice Auto Finder www.firstchoiceautofinder.org
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Tips to Avoid Drowsy Driving
9. November 2008 by admin.
firstchoiceautofinder says please read !!!Drive only when rested. Don’t take the wheel if you feel fatigued, no matter when or where you are driving. Have some sleep or exercise first, avoid or delay the trip, or let a rested person drive.
Keep your mind alert. Listen to talk shows or up-tempo music. Try to have company on long trips. Change position frequently, keeping your head up and shoulders back. Chew gum. Actively watch road signs and traffic.
Find a safe place to stop. On a long trip, every couple of hours or if you start to feel sleepy, pull off the road for a break, exercise and fresh air. When possible, spend the night at a hotel or stop in a safe place to take a nap. Don’t rely on coffee!
Be careful about what you eat and drink. Coffee, sugar or other stimulants may wake you up physically but they do not ensure mental alertness. Drink water, juice or soft drinks low in sugar and caffeine. Choose high-protein snacks over heavy or fatty foods such as fries. Avoid alcohol and medications (including cold remedies). If you require medication, consult with your doctor to minimize effects on driving.
Drive defensively. Be prepared to prevent collisions in spite of the actions of others-including drivers around you who may be drowsy.
www.firstchoiceautofinder.com
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Speeding
9. November 2008 by admin.
At FirstChoiceAutoFinder we no that speeding increases the likelihood and severity of a crash. firstchoiceautofinder says The faster a vehicle is moving, the less time the driver has to react to a hazard, and for other road users to react to that vehicle. A speeding vehicle requires more time and distance to stop, and is harder to control. Speed is a factor in 30 per cent of fatal crashes and 12 per cent of all crashes.
firstchoiceautofinder knows first hand that when the speed increases over 100 km/h, the fatality rate of vehicle occupants goes up exponentially. For example, the chances of being killed in a vehicle traveling at 120 km/h are four times higher than at 100 km/h. When a car crashes near 200 km/h the chances of survival are minimal.
Speed of impact is critical for pedestrians, the most vulnerable road users. A 1995 European Transport Safety Council report found that only five per cent of pedestrians died when struck by a vehicle at 32 km/h; fatalities increased to 85 per cent at 64 km/h.
There is an ongoing debate in Canada about speed limits on major highways. Advocates of higher limits need only look across the border for proof that raising speed limits is a bad idea.
A recent study examined the impact of higher travel speeds on US rural interstates after the repeal in November 1995 of the national speed limit. Researchers found states that had increased their speed limits to 75 mph (120 km/h) experienced a shocking 38 per cent increase in deaths per million vehicle miles than expected, compared to deaths in those states that did not change their speed limits. States that increased speed limits to 70 mph (112 km/h) showed a 35 per cent increase in fatalities.
The US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tracked vehicle speeds on rural and urban interstates since 1987. Preliminary data for 2003 show the highest speeds the Institute has ever observed. In California, for example, the speed limit is 70 mph. However, the mean speed is 74. Well over two-thirds (69 per cent) of drivers go over 70 mph, and 19 per cent go faster than 80 mph.
As US speed limits have risen, statistics show an associated increase in lives lost. The www.firstchoiceautofinder.com Council seriously questions why any jurisdiction in Canada would choose to follow this lead.
High performance is the mantra of today’s automotive manufacturers. From 1980 to 2000 the average horsepower-to-weight ratio, a key measure of performance, increased by over 50 per cent. In the 2000 model year, six per cent of vehicles had turbocharged engines, the highest percentage ever.
The media shows vehicles racing and swerving on miraculously empty roads, chasing or being chased, and performing daredevil stunts. Routine disclaimers that once warned the unwary consumer to drive safely or obey speed limits have all but disappeared.
Such lifestyle advertising subliminally encourages drivers to break the law by speeding and driving recklessly. The impact of that message is powerful. In recent years, street racing has become a deadly fad in Canadian cities. However, young speedsters are only part of a much larger problem. Speeding has become widely accepted by Canadian drivers. ‘Everybody does it’ is a common excuse for breaking the speed limit.
Commercials that glamorize excessive speeding promote unacceptable driver attitudes and behaviors. They also violate the Canadian Code of Advertising, which states that advertisements must not ‘depict situations that might encourage unsafe or dangerous practices or acts.’ To file an official complaint, contact firstchoiceautofinder . Please send a copy of your complaint to the To admin@firstchoiceautofinder.com
Enforcement Needed
There is a proven way to deter speeders. Enforce the speed limit. When drivers know they will be caught and penalized, they slow down. There’s no substitute for strong police visibility in problem areas, but the police can’t be everywhere. For obvious safety reasons they are reluctant to pursue speeding drivers on high-volume roads.
Photo-radar is a solution to the problem. Cameras, instead of police, identify vehicles that are breaking the speed limit. The owners of offending vehicles receive significant fines, but no points are assigned to anyone’s driving record.
A poll commissioned by the Canada Safety Council in August 2003 found two-thirds of the 2,000 respondents supported photo radar on the highway. When asked if there should be warning signs to advise of the possible presence of photo enforcement 68 per cent said yes.
A standard sign for photo enforcement should be installed along roads where cameras may be present. When speeders know they could be caught, many choose to slow down. The signs are essential, because the real purpose is not to catch drivers who break the law, but rather to stop them from offending in the first place.
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Winter Driving
9. November 2008 by admin.
FirstChoiceAutoFinder says to the average driver during the winter season, the number one safety issue is the condition of the roadway. Authorities responsible for road maintenance are sensitive to this fact. Municipalities across Canada are taking pro-active approaches to road-clearing, trying new methods and technologies to keep roads safe for driving and costs under control.
- In Edmonton, road-clearing operations are computer-tracked, snow-clearing operations are based on average freeze-thaw cycles, and a formula combining of sand and salt is used. When necessary, the city takes snow and ice-clearing money from other budgets.
- Pavement sensors take regular surface temperature readings in the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton. The technology, which costs $250,000 to install, has more than recouped its cost, does not compromise safety and is being considered for province-wide use.
- Some municipalities are experimenting with pre-wetting roads with a brine (sodium chloride) wash. The City of Toronto found this technique works well in certain situations and contributes to using less salt overall.
Salt, the principal de-icing chemical, is effective from 0 degrees Celsius to -12 degrees Celsius. A snow storm can cost $250,000 in salt in a four-hour period; alternatives are up to five times more expensive and half as effective. Salt prevents the bonding of ice and snow to pavement surfaces, permitting more efficient and faster removal of snow and ice. It is used as a de-icer because it lowers the freezing point of water. However, at -20 degrees Celsius, it becomes ineffective, and abrasives such as sand must be used.
No matter how clear the roads are, however, there is no substitute for a defensive driver. According to Canada Safety Council president Emile Therien, many drivers lack the skills to deal with poor road conditions and unsafe actions by others. “Extra caution is needed during winter weather, particularly when roads are slippery or have not yet been plowed,” he says.
The Canada Safety Council estimates that 85 per cent of all collisions and related injuries relate in some way to driver behavior, such as impaired driving, speeding, running red lights and non-use (or improper use) of seat belts or child restraints. Nonetheless, road conditions are also important - a fact not lost on those responsible for maintaining them during the winter months.
For more info www.firstchoiceautofinder.com
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FirstChoiceAutoFinder
5. November 2008 by admin.
Gas prices are on the rise and nobody t knows where to turn. Unfortunately employers don’t pay more to compensate for the escalating cost of fuel. This leaves families struggling to figure out the means to deal with the extra cost of travel. Less families are going on vacations, visiting relatives and taking unnecessary trips away from home and with all the gas saving tips from FirstChoiceAutoFinder you should be able to enjoy all the summer anywhere.
FirstChoiceAutoFinder figures that more and more people are turning to electric powered cars, but trading in your car to incur the added expense of a new vehicle just isn’t viable for many families. In fact, it might not even be the wisest choice. The practical choice would be to simply convert your existing automobile into an electric one. This would give you all of the benefits of owning an electric car, without the hassle of car shopping, giving up a vehicle you love and are used to, and eliminate getting yourself into high payments.
Converting your vehicle into an electric powered vehicle is actually quite affordable, much more so than today’s gas prices, and it is certainly more affordable than purchasing a new vehicle. Plus, you are saving yourself the added problems and worries that come with purchasing a new vehicle. Keep the car you already committed to and turn it into a vehicle that fits your needs.
What is entailed in the electric car conversion is the removing of the gas engine of your vehicle, replacing it with electric car counterparts such as electric motors, water pump, batteries, and several other parts needed for an electric vehicle to run. Generally, you can just follow instructions given in the electric car kits for the entire procedure.
While one doesn’t have to necessarily be a professional mechanic to convert their current vehicle to an electric one, you should have basic skills and knowledge of how the engine works to install the conversion kit yourself. If you have no knowledge, that’s okay, there are many good mechanics out there that would install your electric conversion kit for a reasonable price. Remember, in the long run the one time fee of a mechanics services would be well worth it. In the future, while everyone else is still sighing over the rising price of gas, you can be relishing in the fact that you still have the car you originally bought, picked out because it suited your wants and needs, all while beating those ridiculous prices at the pump.
So before going down and trading in Beast for a new and more expensive, electric car, consider instead turning Bessy into that inexpensive to run car that she used to be, and you hoped that she would one day be again. If your not looking to switch to electric that check some of these links for some great ways to save gas.
http://www.soulcast.com/post/show/124208/firstchoiceautofinder.com
http://www.aboutus.org/FirstChoiceAutoFinder.com
http://www.theautolog.com/shop/profile.php?s=1092
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FirstChoiceAutoFinder
2. November 2008 by admin.
Fill free to call us at our toll free number 1-866-237-9205
Questions, Place and ad , Financing , Tips on buying or selling a vehicle , Advertising
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FirstChoiceAutoFinder
21. October 2008 by admin.
www.firstchoiceautofinder.com
FirstChoiceAutoFinder would like to say a few things about the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) first appeared in Canada in the 1970s. It was designed and sold as a multipurpose utility and recreational vehicle.
ATVs are used in farming, forestry, natural resource exploration, law enforcement and peacekeeping. In recent years, they have become very popular for adventure tourism, trail riding and camping.
Between 1996 and 2001, ATV sales in Canada tripled. As of 2004, about 2.5 million Canadians were riding ATVs and 850,000 owned one. This explosive growth, largely due to recreational use, has led to the formation of provincial ATV federations. The aging population is a factor. People who enjoy the outdoors, but can no longer walk long distances, can venture into the back country on ATVs to enjoy nature.
With increased exposure has come a rise in injuries — most of them preventable. Speed, inexperience, improper apparel, non-use of helmets and alcohol are common factors. ATV injuries are more likely to happen to boys aged 15 to 19 than any other group. A US study found that only four per cent of the drivers involved in injury incidents reported having had any training.
In February 2003, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reported a 50 per cent increase in hospitalizations due to ATVs over the past five years (from 1,693 in 1996/1997 to 2,535 in 2000/2001). In the category of sports and recreation, ATV-related activities are now the third most common cause of severe injuries next to cycling and snowmobiling.
According to CIHI, children between the ages of five and 19 accounted for more than one-third (36 per cent) of all ATV-related injuries. Of the 92 ATV-related severe injury admissions in 2000/2001 where alcohol involvement was recorded, 26 per cent had consumed alcohol. The provinces with the largest increases in ATV-related injuries were New Brunswick (90 per cent) and Alberta (89 per cent).
In November 2000, the New Brunswick government established a task force to address issues surrounding the use of ATVs, including public safety. In New Brunswick legislation, the definition of an “all-terrain vehicle” includes dirt bikes, snowmobiles and amphibious machines.
From 1997-1998 to 2000-2001 the number of ATVs registered in that province rose by over 50 per cent. Reported accidents increased by about 75 per cent from 1996 to 2000. Over half of the collisions were on roads and highways, and almost one-third involved an ATV colliding with an on-road vehicle. Of 112 reported injuries in 1999-2000, children under 16 represented 20 per cent. Almost 1/4 (24.1 per cent) of the total injuries were to the head. In 1999-2000 alone, there were six ATV-related fatalities.
The Alberta Center for Injury Control and Research examined the 20 ATV-related deaths that occurred in that province between July, 1999 and June 2002. Among its findings:
- The majority (55 per cent) occurred in the summer, between July and September.
- Eighty-five per cent of the deceased were the drivers of the ATV.
- At least 60 per cent of the fatalities were due to head injuries.
- Children and teens represented 45 per cent of those killed, including two passengers and seven drivers. The deceased drivers were all from 10 to 15 years old.
- Alcohol was involved in 45 per cent of the deaths.
ATVs are safe as long as riders have the appropriate type and size of vehicle, and follow the instructions in the user’s manual.
Manufacturers clearly warn that children under age 16 should not operate vehicles over 90 cc. Smaller youth models have a reduced speed capability and a tether strap that allows a parent to stop the machine. Used under adult supervision, these models are designed to be safe for children under 16.
While many ATVs can carry only one person safely, Two-Ups take the operator plus one passenger.
With any vehicle - be it a bicycle, a car, an ATV or an 18-wheeler - there is no substitute for a responsible driver.
FirstChoiceAutoFinder says ATV is not a toy. A child involved in a crash could suffer life-altering injuries. If and when your child is ready to use an ATV, match the size of the vehicle to the child, make sure he or she wears protective clothing (including a helmet), and supervise closely. If possible, take the special Canada Safety Council course for children.
Across Canada, regulations vary regarding the minimum age to operate an off-road vehicle on public land. A majority of jurisdictions have legislation that mentions the age of 14, but children who are supervised may operate the vehicle under certain conditions. Following is the recommendation of the New Brunswick task force:
That youth between the ages of 14 and 16 years be required to obtain an all-terrain vehicle learner’s permit, for which they must have parental permission. The learner’s permit should only be obtained under the following conditions:
- must successfully complete a mandatory Canada Safety Council approved training course;
- must be supervised at all times by a parent or legal guardian who has successfully completed a Canada Safety Council approved training course and has a valid driver’s licence; and
- the size of the all-terrain vehicle being operated cannot exceed the size recommended for their age by the manufacturer.
Regulations controlling ATV use on private property would be difficult if not impossible to enforce.FirstChoiceAutoFinder strongly says that ultimately, the adults in charge must actively supervise and make sure all safety precautions are taken.
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