Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say that over half of deaths last year related to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use did not have to happen.
Those deaths could have been avoided if the operator had worn a helmet.
Friday is the first day of ATV Safety Awareness Week. The OPP has teamed up with the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs to promote safe off-road riding throughout the province.
The OPP say 34 people died in ATV-related incidents across Ontario in 2024. Out of those, 18 were not wearing helmets.
Fifteen fatalities last year were also attributed to drug or alcohol use.
"In addition to always wearing an approved helmet and driving sober and drug-free, riders are reminded to avoid speeding and to operate their vehicles with control and within their skill level, especially on unfamiliar or uneven terrain," said OPP Marine Coordinator Sergeant Dave Moffatt. "When paired with regular maintenance of your off-road vehicle throughout the season, these safety practices greatly increase the chances of both drivers and passengers returning home safely to their families after every ride."
The OPP also noted that 2024 represented the highest ATV-related death toll on its patrolled roads in over ten years, with speeding and loss of control as the primary causes of crashes.
