Should Alberta Require Helmets for Off-Highway Vehicles and Increase Speeding Penalties?

Official title: Traffic Safety Act consultation

Closed Legislation Health & Safety Transportation
Alberta asked residents about two road safety issues: mandatory helmets for off-highway vehicles on public land, and tougher penalties for drivers going more than 50 km/h over the speed limit. The survey ran in September 2016 and informed changes to the Traffic Safety Act.

Why This Matters

Ride an ATV, dirt bike, or snowmobile on public land? This consultation shaped whether you need a helmet. Drive fast on Alberta highways? The penalties for extreme speeding may have changed based on this feedback. Over 21 Albertans died annually from OHV crashes, with 41% from head injuries.

What Could Change

The Traffic Safety Act was amended based on this consultation. Helmet requirements for OHV riders on public land may have been introduced or expanded. Penalties for driving 50+ km/h over the limit could include higher fines or longer licence suspensions beyond the existing mandatory court appearance.

Key Issues

  • Should helmets be mandatory for off-highway vehicle riders on public land?
  • Should there be age-based exemptions for OHV helmet requirements?
  • Are more severe penalties needed for driving 50+ km/h over the speed limit?
  • What penalties are appropriate for excessive speeding?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. The survey was available from September 8-25, 2016.
  2. Review the background documents: Off-Highway Vehicle Collisions and Collisions Involving Unsafe Speed.

What Happened

The consultation was completed in 2016. Input gathered from the survey informed amendments to the Traffic Safety Act, with legislation expected in the Fall 2016 session.

Key Documents