Yukon First Nation cracks down on kids driving ATVs
The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has passed a resolution to control ATV and snowmobile use within the community of Old Crow, and is threatening to seize vehicles if rules are broken.
The First Nation's chief and council issued a list of new rules this week, including a 30 km/h speed limit in Old Crow, and strict guidelines on ATV and snowmobile use by young people — including a ban for anybody under 16.
"It was time to bring them forward, and take responsibility for the people in the community," said Chief Bruce Charlie.
He said the issue has been talked about for years. It became a focus again recently, when a young man involved in an ATV accident was medevaced out of the community with a broken leg.
"I remember 25 years ago, another young man had the same kind of accident — a four-wheeler hit his leg and shattered his leg. It's the same thing, 25 years ago," Charlie said.
The Yukon government has its own guidelines for ATV use in the territory, but an exemption was granted last year to several rural communities.
Police have said they found out about the exemption last month, when a territorial government lawyer withdrew a ticket that had been issued by the RCMP in Old Crow.
Charlie calls the First Nation's new regulations a "partnership" with RCMP, but the local detachment in Old Crow says it has no authority to enforce the rules.
First Nation will seize vehicles
Charlie says the goal is to encourage parents to take responsibility for children, who may be putting themselves and others at risk.
"It's a known fact that children cannot operate these all-terrain vehicles, because of the amount of power it takes to control them."
Other rules included in the resolution include a ban on anyone under 18 driving an ATV between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., a requirement that vehicles be in "good, working order," and that drivers be free of alcohol and drugs while operating the vehicle.
People who violate the rules could end up losing their vehicle, at least temporarily.
"The only solution right now is to seize them, until we figure out what's next," Charlie said.
