Due to the increased numbers of ATV’s and Off Road Vehicles/Side by Sides (ORV) at this time of year, the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are conducting increased high visibility patrols on our roadways, water ways and trails within the County to assist and support riders to make good decisions while out on their ORV’s.
This past weekend 14 charges were laid within the Municipality of Port Hope. The charges laid were under the Trespass to Property Act and the Off-Road Vehicles Act.
The OPP is reminding riders to exercise caution and ride within laws that are designated to keep you safe while operating any type of ORV. All road ways are prohibited to all ORV’s unless the local municipalities provide an exemption under the Highway Traffic Act. It is the rider’s responsibility to make themselves familiar to their local bylaws pertaining to OVR’S.
OPP investigations into ORV collisions continue to show that alcohol consumption, lack of experience, high speed, lack of helmet use and overall carelessness are major contributing factors in severe injuries or deaths associated with this outdoor activity. The OPP is asking the public to partner with them to reduce the rising number of ATV/ORV incidents.
For more information on ATV/ORV safety or legal requirements, visit www.ontario.ca/atv or, follow this link: http
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
