Two recent fatal off-road vehicle (ORV) incidents in one day and a spike in preventable ORV fatalities have the OPP issuing a reminder about the dangers of riding impaired and not wearing a helmet.
OPP investigated two separate fatal incidents recently involving ORVs, bringing the total number of lives lost in OPP investigated ORV incidents to nine for 2013.
According to the OPP, the two most common factors noted in 2013 fatal ORV investigations are not new to collision investigators.
Of the nine fatalities this year, alcohol consumption was a factor in five of the incidents and six of the nine victims were not wearing a helmet.
The OPP is issuing an important reminder to all off-road vehicle riders to take the following important safety measures in order to make it home alive and well after a safe and enjoyable riding experience:
– always wear a comfortable, well-fitted and fastened approved helmet;
– never drink and ride;
– take a safety course and get to know equipment;
– stay in control and ride within one’s skill level;
– know responsibilities wherever riding;
– let someone know about a trip or activity plans.
More detailed information about best practices for off-road vehicles and the related laws in Ontario are available through the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) at the following links: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/atv and www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/atv/ATV-en.pdf.
The OPP encourages everyone to be a good rider by wearing a helmet, operating within their skill level, obeying the laws and not drinking and driving.
