Skubic: We can’t simply stand by and allow All-Terrain Vehicle accidents to occur

EDINBURG, Texas – DHR Health and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office want to see a reduction in All-Terrain Vehicle accidents.

Dr. Jeffery Skubic, medical director of DHR Health’s Level One Trauma Center, says that since 2018, his hospital has seen a 183 percent increase in ATV accidents.

To reduce the level of such accidents, DHR and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office are offering a free hands-on ATV injury prevention course for interested members of the community. The aim of the course is to equip ATV riders with the necessary skills and knowledge to prevent accidents and tragedies. 

“Since 2018, DHR Health has seen a 183 percent increase in ATV accidents, Skubic said. “We can’t simply stand by and allow these accidents to occur. By offering this safety course we aim to educate and empower riders with the knowledge and skills they need before riding an ATV.”

Skubic said the new course must be completed in two parts. The first part involves a two-hour e-course available for free at www.atvsafety.org. Topics covered by the course include the use of protective gear, environmental concerns and writing strategies. Upon completion of the e-course, certification of completion will be sent to the participant, who must then upload their certificate in order to take the free ATV Riders Course hands-on training.

Skubic said the hands-on portion of the course offers participants an opportunity to practice basic riding skills in a controlled environment with the with a licensed ATV Safety Institute Instructor as well as officers from Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office assisting with the course. 

“Our duty is not only to treat and heal wounds but also to do what we can to help prevent them. The implementation of this free ATV injury prevention course and our partnership with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office reflect DHR Health’s commitment to a proactive community health initiatives. It is through education that we strive to reduce ATV accidents and save lives,” Skubic added.

Here is a video interview about the ATV course with Dr. Skubic:

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