HAUSER, Ore. -With Labor Day weekend at our heels, it's often a last chance opportunity for ATV enthusiasts to hit the sand dunes. But standing-by will also be several local law enforcement agencies, making sure riders are safe.
The local dunes are estimated to see an influx of up to 10,000 visitors this weekend. Heavy ridership means extra patrol, including Hauser Fire and Rescue, who service about 20% of injury related calls.
They say statistically, injuries are low during the actual holiday. It's getting familiar beforehand with the terrain and adjusting as it changes, that can keep a rider safe.
Hauser Fire Chief Jerry Wharton says, "It's the before and after that we actually see the accidents, there's a few more patrols and stuff out at that time. There are lots of people and when we have the abundance of people out there like we see, there's a higher chance of accidents."
"But most of the accidents we go to are terrain caused, not people v. vehicle," added Jack Hoffman, Dunes Coordinator for Hauser Fire.
And with 20 volunteers heading on and off the sand at any given time, the Hauser Rural Fire Department is being recognized for their service, pertaining to Sandfest 2010, held earlier this Summer. A press conference will be held this Saturday, Sept. 4, at 2 pm, where the department will be honored with an undisclosed cash amount to put back in the general ATV Safety Fund.
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