Now that the snow's gone, people are putting the snowmobiles away and gassing up their ATVs.

However, it's never smart to just jump on and take off without first ensuring that your mind is fresh with safety considerations.

"ATVs are like snowmobiles and other vehicles, there's rules with them. You must be 16 years of age and hold a valid driver's license to operate an ATV in any public area. Youth between the ages of 12 and 15 can operate one in public areas and across roads, but they cannot drive on roads, and that's only if they have passed an approved training course. Or, they're supervised by someone who holds a driver's license and has had it for the preceding year," said Corporal Craig Park from the Estevan RCMP.

"Keep to the right when approaching other vehicles, passing other vehicles on the left when it's safe. Stop for police when you see them. Much like any other vehicles, it's driving with that same due care and attention and consideration for others."

"Maintain the proper distance on the edge of the roads. Travel in the same direction as traffic. When you're crossing a road, bring your ATV to a complete stop, all passengers must dismount and walk across. Yield to other vehicles and pedestrians, and cross by the most direct route. We don't want to see any ATVs lingering on the highway," he stated.

Safety gear and proper clothing, some of them mandatory, must also be worn. This includes head and footware, as well as anything else appropriate for the area you are driving in.

"The biggest thing with ATVs, especially in this area, is to remember to respect other people's property and land. We quite often get complaints of ATVs out in the pastures and farmlands, so just be respectful of the other people's property," Park concluded.