For many in our province, the summer months are a great time to dust off the ATVs and other off-road vehicles and get out there exploring the trails and woodlands of New Brunswick. In fact, you may even encounter some of our off-duty employees out there on the trails with you – we have many ATV enthusiasts among our ranks too! This province has some of the best trail systems in Canada, and we're happy to see lots of people out there having fun, as long as they're doing so safely and responsibly.
So far this year in New Brunswick RCMP jurisdiction, there have already been 45 off-road vehicle crashes, resulting in two fatalities. Last year, there were 165 crashes with five fatalities, and that's not counting serious injuries. These are crashes that devastate families and communities. It's especially hard for police when we have to attend crashes that are due to excessive speed or drinking and driving, or when someone is seriously injured or killed because they weren't wearing their helmet. These kinds of accidents are entirely preventable.
Many of the complaints we receive about ATVs are about where people are driving. We frequently get reports of off-road vehicles on the road or too close to the road. They're called off-road vehicles for a reason. It is against the law to be within 7.5 meters of a roadway, and if you have to cross a road to continue on your trail, you must drive directly across and not drive on an angle across the road. You are also prohibited from driving on the shoulder of the road. This is for your own safety and that of other drivers.
Other common complaints are about ATVs on walking trails or on private property. Again, it's common sense – you don't want to run the risk of hitting a pedestrian by driving on a walking trail, and owners of private property have the right to decide how their land is going to be used. Respect people's property and safety and stay on approved trails. Don't operate in sensitive areas such as wetlands or on dunes, and stay away from streams and waterways.
A big misconception is that driving an ATV is completely different than driving a car. It's not. You are still operating a motor vehicle, and that means you are operating a powerful machine that needs your full attention. You also have to make sure your license, registration and insurance are up to date and properly displayed. You need to adjust your speed for weather and conditions, the same as you would if you were driving on the road. You have to keep your machine in good working order, including your headlights and taillights. Most importantly, driving while impaired on an ATV is no different than getting behind the wheel of a car – it's a criminal offence and if caught, you will be charged. Worse, it could lead to a fatal crash and lives could be lost. Like any other vehicle, ATVS must only be driven while sober. We have seen far too many lives lost and families torn apart due to impaired operation of an ATV. It is never worth the risk.
When it comes to youth, off-road vehicles are a little different, in that people under 16 years of age can drive them. However, just as you would want to make sure your children are as safe as possible in a car, you need to take precautions before allowing them to ride on or operate an ATV themselves. That includes making sure they complete an approved safety training course and that they're on a machine appropriately sized for their age. They should also be supervised by someone at least 19 years old who has also completed a safety course. And of course, you and they must always wear helmets.
If you're caught breaking the law on your ATV, there are serious consequences. Offences include operating without a helmet, operating an unregistered or uninsured vehicle, operating too close to a highway, or failing to show officers required documents. Fines for offences under the Off-Road Vehicle Act start at $172.50 but in some cases, a judge can impose a fine up to $20,500.
The warm weather is finally here. Please be safe while enjoying it and follow the rules of the road – and the trail.