ORV safety training Saturday

With the temperatures gradually warming up, more and more of us are four–wheeling on ORV trails.

Anyone who wants to do it safely can get some pointers for free this weekend.

The Marquette County Sheriff’s Department is holding an ORV safety course this Saturday.

The course lasts all day, and it includes classroom training as well as a written test.

Kids under 16 need to pass the test to operate a four-wheeler.

“We’re going to be teaching adults and youth proper operation, ORV use laws, regulations, pre-ride inspections, different equipment that you should have on an ORV”, Sheriff’s Dept. Cpl. Errol Lukkarinen said.

Everyone who passes receives an ORV safety certificate.

There are basic ideas to keep in mind, whether you’re young enough to need a certificate or not.

“All ORVs operating in the state of Michigan must have an ORV registration through the Department of Natural Resources, a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection,” Cpl. Lukkarinen said.

The course is at Westwood High School in Ishpeming Township.

It begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, and it’s free of charge.

The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone interested in attending to call (906) 475-4173 to register.