UPDATE: Single Off-Road Vehicle Collision
MARATHON ON– On August 16, 2017 at approximately 5:15 p.m. members of the Marathon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a single motor vehicle collision (MVC) involving an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), north of Marathon on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) trail near the Hydro substation on Peninsula Road.
A 20 year old female from Thunder Bay had been driving an ATV northbound on an OFSC trail when the roadway became rough and the driver lost control rolling the ATV with it coming to rest on top of her. It is unknown as to the length of time that she was involved in the MVC becoming trapped under the ATV before a passerby discovered the incident and call 911.
The Marathon Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Marathon Fire Department (MFD) attended the scene to assist. The female was transported to a local hospital by EMS with unknown injuries and later released after receiving treatment by medical staff.
Due to the increase number of ATV’s and Off Road Vehicles/Side by Sides (ORV) at this time of year, Members of the Marathon/Manitouwadge OPP are reminding ATV/ORV operators of the requirements to operate these in Ontario. The OPP are also asking the public to partner with them to reduce the rising number of ATV/ORV incidents.
Alcohol use continues to be a factor in fatal ATV/ORV incidents in OPP jurisdictions. Operators are reminded that operating and ATV/ORV on or off a roadway while impaired carries the same penalties as operating a motor vehicle.
Ensure that you are aware of the requirements to operate an ATV/ORV:
- For off-road driving, the owner of the ATV/ORV must ensure the driver is at least 12 years of age, unless they are on land occupied by the ATV/ORV owner or under the close supervision of an adult
- To drive on or even cross a roadway the operator must be 16 years of age and hold a minimum class G2/M2 driver’s licence
- Must wear an approved motorcycle helmet that is securely fastened under the chin with a chin strap at all times
- Must have valid insurance and registration if not on private property
- Must operate in the same direction of traffic on the shoulder if on a public roadway
- On a roadway if speed limits 50 km/h- you cannot exceed 20 km, if speed limits exceed 50 km/h- you cannot exceed 50 km/hr
- Vehicles commonly known as side by sides, are now permitted on the shoulder of public roads
- A golf cart is not an approved vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act or the Off Road Vehicles Act. It may only be used on private property.
Police encourage operators not to ride alone but when riding alone to advise someone as to the area and your destination of your ride.
For more information on ATV/ORV safety or legal requirements, visit www.ontario.ca/atv and www.e-laws.gov.on.ca
