ATV Safety

They're fast and fun, but in the hands of untrained drivers, ATVs – All Terrain Vehicles, can be deadly. According to the Ontario Provincial Police, in the last 10 years, there have been 58 off-road vehicle fatalities in the region, with 59 per cent of those occurring with drivers not wearing helmets. In fact, the Haliburton Highlands OPP say the region leads the province with the most ATV fatalities. Haliburton ATV Club President Mike Bukowski says his club is doing all it can to educate ATV riders the importance of obeying speed limits, wearing a helmet and not driving while impaired. The local club partners with the Kawartha ATV Club promoting safety courses for riders of all ages. And while ATV sales have been steadily growing since the COVID-19 pandemic, training courses remain voluntary. Constable Matt Elliott of the OPP's SAVE Team – Snowmobile, ATV and Vessel Enforcement, spoke with CanoeFM recently and says many accidents and deaths can be prevented if the laws and safety measures are followed.