There will no doubt be more than a few people heading outdoors this weekend on their ATVs. The Carlyle RCMP is hoping everyone stays safe on the trails. 

"Helmets must be worn," explained Cst. Alexa Dubeau with the Carlyle RCMP. "One person on the ATV unless the ATV is equipped to have two people. Driving at night, you must have headlights on the ATV."

In order to operate an ATV, you must be 16 years old and have a valid driver's licence. However, children 12-15 can operate an ATV if they've taken an ATV course or if they are being supervised by someone with a driver's licence. 

She added that riders need to respect the speed limits and the people around them as well.

"Driving in town to get to the closest grid road, be respectful. And be throwing back that throttle and making a loud noise."

With all the rain we have received, the temptation to go puddle jumping can be an overwhelming one. Cst. Dubeau urges caution in these situations 

"You don't know the depth of that puddle which can cause the ATV to get into a collision. Puddles are fun to go through but we also have to be cognizant that we don't know what is underneath that puddle of water. It could be a deeper hole than we expect and people could get hurt because of that."

But when it comes down to it, it's really not that difficult.

"Just have fun and abide by the rules of the road. Wear your helmet and goggles and all the safety gear needed to keep one safe on those fun ATVs. If you're caught drinking alcohol while driving a quad or a dirt bike or anything that, people can be charged under the Criminal Code for driving while impaired."