As summer weather settles in to the Rainy River District, thoughts will turn to regular summertime activities like fishing, boating and off-roading with ATV’s, and the Ontario Provincial Police are warning riders to use their heads this summer to stay safe on the trails.
This week, June 1-7, marks ATV (all-terrain vehicle) safety week, which serves as an important reminder of safe riding, according to the Ontario Federation of All-terrain Vehicles (OFATV) Clubs.
The OPP are reminding those who own and ride ATVs that half of all ATV riders killed in OPP jurisdictions across the province were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, and that doing so can save your life. They go on to warn that operating ATVs under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another dangerous factor that contributes significantly to fatal accidents among riders, and to keep both these factors in mind when choosing to go for a ride, as its the ones left behind who suffer the most after a fatal accident.
“Sadly, when trail riders engage in these behaviours, it is their loved ones who pay the price,” the OPP state.
“In some cases, it also costs the lives of innocent passengers.”
According to the OPP, 41 passengers were among the 240 people killed in OPP-investigated off-road vehicle incidents in the last 10 full-year period, which ranges from 2016-2025.
This summer, the OPP and OFATV Clubs are working in partnership to remind ATV drivers to do so safely and to avoid being part of the culture of riders who believe that the risks of not wearing a helmet, alcohol/drug use, speed and other dangerous behaviours are all part of their outdoor adventure and do not apply to them.
Parents are also encouraged to enrol their young and first-time ATV riders in the Ready to RideON Ontario Youth ATV Rider Training Program, an online training course provided through the OFATV that is designed to teach young drivers how to ride safely and confidently, be compliant with provincial regulations, learn maintenance tips for caring for their ATV and how to better enjoy their time spent outdoors. The course is offered through the OFATV website and registration costs $40.
“Riders of all ages are encouraged to visit the OFATV Clubs website to familiarize themselves with how to make it home safely after every ride when enjoying this popular Ontario recreational sport,” the OPP say.
“The OPP is committed to saving lives on more than 99,000 kilometres of waterways and trails, and over 130,000 thousand kilometres of roadway.”
