RCMP urges riders to adhere to ATV safety
Force launches second phase of public awarness/enforcement campaign aimed at off-road vehicles
“… with the May (24) long weekend and summer riding season just around the corner, we know there will be increased riding activity, making it even more important to continue our focus on ATV safety.” Assistant Commissioner Ches Parsons
The RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador has launched the second phase of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety campaign and enforcement initiative that looks like it may already have achieved positive results.
The initial campaign was launched last fall in response to the increasing number of deaths of operators of recreational vehicles in the province. In 2020, 17 people, ranging in age from 14 to 91, died while operating ATVS and snowmobiles in areas policed by RCMP NL.
Through the first 4 1/2 months of 2021, there has been one such fatality. That compares to four deaths for the same time frame last year.
Assistant Commissioner Ches Parsons, the commanding officer of the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador, spoke at the Phase 2 launch at the police force’s Holyrood detachment on Thursday.
“The decrease in the number of deaths thus far this year is certainly encouraging, as is the level of public dialogue and support we saw for Phase 1 of the campaign,” said Parsons. “However, with the May (24) long weekend and summer riding season just around the corner, we know there will be increased riding activity, making it even more important to continue our focus on ATV safety.”
Phase 2 of the social media campaign, which will run through the Labour Day weekend, will feature offroad vehicle operators in the province demonstrating safe driving behaviour.
“While we recognize there are many people who do not follow the rules with respect to the operation of offroad vehicles, we are confident a vast majority of people obey the law and wear the proper safety gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience,” said Corp. Jolene Garland, the media relations officer with RCMP NL.
“When we issued a public call for photos to include in Phase 2, we were overwhelmed by the number of responses and support for the campaign.”
The main messages of Phase 2 are ride safe, ride sober and wear safety gear.
The RCMP says the majority of deaths of off-road vehicle operators are preventable, with many involving excess speed, alcohol consumption and lack of or improper use of safety equipment such as helmets and seatbelts.
Enhanced enforcement efforts will continue throughout the summer.
“Our officers will be on patrol looking for violations. Those who do not follow the rules can expect to be ticketed and to have their ATVS seized in certain cases,” said Staff Sgt. David Ossinger, supervisor of RCMP NL Traffic Services.
“There really is no better way to explore this beautiful province than by ATV. Let’s do it safely.”
The RCMP expressed appreciation for the support of the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corp., Avalon T’railways, Avalon ATV, Safety NL, Ride the Rock Adventures, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Brain Injury Association in its campaign. It also asks the public to continue its support by sharing the campaign’s social media images and maintaining discussions about ATV safety.