Thousands expected at Red Sands during 4th of July weekend, ATV safety stressed

Red Sands is expecting to see thousands of people this holiday weekend, according to the Rider Safety Office

“We have brought extra staff in,” chief instructor Jamil Moutran said. “We coordinated with local law enforcement in this area to ensure people are safe.”

Moutran says he expects dozens of ATVs to hit the dunes this weekend, but is concerned with people being careful behind the wheel. “I would say we average five to eight (injuries) a week that we respond to,” he said. “They are usually not life-threatening or anything like that.” “Texas ranks 10th in the nation for ATV related injuries and two out of every three ATV related deaths are usually children,” Moutran said.

Moutran says injury can be avoided if proper precautions can be taken. There are a lot of things you can do to be safe, he said. “One of the most important things to do to be safe is to wear a helmet,” Moutrin added. “A helmet and goggles are required by the state of Texas,” he said.

The chief instructor touched on adding children to the mix saying, “It is really up to the discretion of the parent, but law says you have to be supervised if you’re under the age of 14 by an adult or by a guardian who is over the age of 18.”

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office also is taking steps to make sure ATV riders are safe.

The office sent out a reminder to residents outlining the laws that apply to ATV use and safety, including that anyone younger than 14 years of age must be accompanied and be under direct supervision of a responsible adult. A person cannot operate and ATV on public property unless the person wears a safety helmet and eye protection, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

A passenger cannot ride on an ATV unless it is designed to carry passengers, and an ATV operated on public property must have a lighted headlight and taillight after sunset, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office share more tips including the following:

1. Always wear a DOT- compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over the ankle boots, and gloves. 2. Never ride on paved roads except to cross when it is SAFE and PERMITTED by law. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highways. 3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. 4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider AVT, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people. 5. Operate/Ride an ATV that is right for your age/weight/height. 6. Supervise young riders; ATVs are not toys. 7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.