The OPP are preaching safety and the importance of helmets during ATV Safety Awareness Week.
The week runs from May 31 until June 9, and the OPP have released some sobering stats showing that many riders are not taking their own safety and the safety of others seriously.
According to OPP data, there has been a 125 per cent increase in ATV fatalities in 2024, with more than half of the deceased found without a helmet.
Nine people have died so far in 2024, with eight drivers and one rider losing their lives in ATV accidents. That's compared to three drivers and one passenger at this time last year.
With one third of this year's fatalities involving alcohol and/or drugs, police are warning ATV riders to take safety more seriously.
The OPP and the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV) are urging all ATV riders, regardless of riding experience or skill level, to wear a properly fitted off-road vehicle helmet during every ride.
Additionally, parents or guardians of youths who are interested in taking up ATV riding are encouraged to sign them up for Ontario's Youth ATV Rider Training Program.
