OPP Offer ATV Safety Tips

Thursday, 9 July 2015 08:46

OPP are hoping drivers will err on the side of caution when it comes to off road vehicles.

Following a tragic accident involving a young person using an ATV, the OPP are reminding people using off road vehicles to be safe.

To help prevent more incidents like the one in Malahide Township, OPP Constable Lisa Narancsik advises we keep very young children out of the driver's seat. "We have to make sure that the drivers of the ATVs are the appropriate age and ability to manoeuvre vehicles. Some of the ATVs or Off Road Vehicles are large pieces of equipment and have a lot of power behind them so we have to make sure that people have the ability to operate the equipment."

Narancsik hopes all riders will be responsible, even when operating on their own land. "Unfortunately when you're on private property, there's not a whole lot of rules that can effect - it's not the same as the highway traffic rules. They don't necessarily have be insured, they don't necessarily have to wear a helmet, but they still should be following the safety tips in order to be able to operate and know how to operate these vehicles."

"If people are going to be operating these types of off road vehicles, think about taking a safety course and get to know what they're driving. Definitely never drink and ride. Make sure that you're wearing helmets, and make sure that they're approved helmets. So don't wear a bicycle helmet. Know your limits. Know whether you can handle or operate the equipment safely."

Resources are available right here in Oxford County for new off road enthusiasts. The Oxford County Injury Prevention Team and the Government of Ontario put together a video showing how to be a responsible driver. You can find it HERE.

Oxford County Public Health also has more information available at their website www.oxfordcounty.ca/Healthy-lifestyles/Injury-prevention/Road-safety/ATV-safety

They young boy from Malahide Township remains on life support this morning.