Many Off-Road Vehicle Deaths Attributed to Impaired Riding and no Helmet Says OPP

OPP Asking Off-Road Vehicle Riders to Put Safety First

ORILLIA, ON, Aug. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Two recent fatal off-road vehicle (ORV) incidents in one day and a spike in preventable ORV fatalities have the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) issuing an important reminder about the dangers of riding impaired and not wearing a helmet.

On August 12, 2013, the OPP investigated two separate fatal incidents 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 your equipment
• Stay in control and ride within your skill level
• Know your responsibilities wherever you ride
• Let someone know your 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/   www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/atv/ATV-en.pdf

The OPP would like to encourage everyone to be a GOOD rider…

Get a helmet on

Operate within your skill level

Obey the laws

Don't drink and ride

SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police

Contacts by OPP Region:

Highway Safety Division:  
Sgt. Dave Woodford    
Phone: [phone]

Central Region:  
Sgt. Peter Leon    
Phone: [phone]

East Region:   
Sgt. Kristine Rae    
Phone: [phone] 

Northwest Region:  
Sgt. Shelley Garr   
Phone: [phone]

Northeast Region:  
Sgt. Carolle Dionne   
Phone: [phone]

West Region:                        
Sgt. Dave Rektor                     
Phone: [phone]

www.opp.ca

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