Saddened by recent tragic incidents, the OPP is urging parents and caregivers to supervise closely all youngsters on All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) or other motorized vehicles.
Sergeant Dave Rektor said there are laws on the books that permit children as young as 12 to ride an ATV on Crown Land if accompanied by an adult.
“That being said, we have lost a 14-year-old girl and seen a 13-year-old boy critically injured, and another 11-year-old girl sustain serious leg injury as a result of being on or operating an ATV,” Rektor said.
That 13-year-old boy, Trent Streicher, of North Perth succumbed to his injuries last month.
Rektor said “Regardless of the laws parents must realize that ATVs and other motorized vehicles are not toys. They are pieces of motorized machinery capable of reaching highway speeds.
“In the hands of a young person, they are potentially killing machines.”
He added, “Most young persons do not have the maturity and/or experience required to operate these heavy pieces of machinery.”
Rektor said police are pleading with parents and caregivers to better monitor young people. “Common sense has to be taught.
“Proper supervision, use of helmets and safety gear, as well as extensive training programs would go a long way to save lives on these motorized vehicles.”
Rektor’s appeal came shortly after Wester Region OPP had to deal with an ATV crash in the Town of North Perth in Elma Ward.
Constable Glen Childerley reported that Streicher was in life threatening condition and his 11 year old sister remained in hospital after an ATV crash Perth Line 71 and Perth Road 140. The investigation revealed that the boy was operating a 250 cc Polaris ATV and his 11 year old sister on the back.
The ATV rolled over into a field.
The injured youths were taken to Listowel Memorial Hospital.
The boy was later air lifted to London Health Sciences.
His sister was treated for her injuries and remained in Listowel Hospital that night for observation.
Neither rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
