Fatal ATV crashes on the rise in Ontario: OPP [Video]

All-terrain vehicle collisions in Ontario in 2024 have already doubled over the same time a year ago, police are reporting.

So far in 2024, there have been eight driver deaths related to ATVs, with one passenger also dying in an ATV incident. More than half were not wearing a helmet. At this time last year, there were four deaths — three drivers and one passenger. In 2023, OPP investigated 26 fatalities involving ATVs.

Peterborough County OPP Const. Dan Gay says the causes of the crashes vary.

“What we tend to find is people that are going out on the trails, are going out either not properly equipped — as far as safety,” he said. “Or they are not seasoned riders and are riding beyond what their capabilities are.”

Impaired driving is also a “growing issue,” says Gay while noting it’s illegal to operate any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Ontario Federation …