In 2023, half of the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) fatalities in Ontario Provincial Police jurisdictions occurred during the end of the year. As a result, the Central Region of the OPP is raising awareness about ORV safety.
The OPP investigated 26 ORV fatalities in 2023, in which 13 occurred between September and December. Lack of helmet use, alcohol and/or drug consumption, and failure to maintain control of the vehicle remain the leading factors.
Here are some critical safety guidelines and best preparation for enjoyable riding:
- Driving an ORV while impaired by alcohol or drugs is as unlawful as driving any other vehicle and carries the same impaired driving penalties that apply to driving a motor vehicle.
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet with a secure chin strap. ORV drivers and passengers who do not wear their helmets are at a much higher risk of serious injury or death if they crash, lose control, or their vehicle tips over.
- Always carry your registration and proof of insurance.
- Ensure proper display of licence plate according to the ORVA.
- Have a valid trail pass where applicable.
- Exercise caution when riding on permitted roadways, adjusting to the difference between dirt and pavement.
- Drive cautiously and familiarize yourself with the required speeds for ORVs.
The Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicles is a great resource. Please see the link for more information and safety tips: Tips for the Riders | OFATV – Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs.
COMMUNITY SATISFACTION SURVEY – OPP ASSESS SERVICE TO ONTARIANS
Community Satisfaction Surveys are scheduled to start in September 2024 in North East Region to solicit public opinions about the services the OPP detachments deliver to communities throughout the region.
The Community Satisfaction Survey is a mixed-method survey conducted with members of the public (aged 16 years and older) living in randomly selected households in areas policed by North East Region detachments. The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete and is strictly voluntary.
Selected households will be mailed a survey invitation letter that will provide a web address and unique code for completing the survey online. The letter will also provide potential respondents with a toll-free 1-800 number if they wish to complete the survey over the phone with an interviewer. Some selected households may receive calls from the survey vendor to collect feedback.
Those willing to participate in the survey will be asked about issues such as community security, perceptions of crime and youth issues in the community, OPP presence in the community, service delivery and even how the OPP investigates crime and enforces the law.
The information provided by those surveyed is being collected by a research consultant, R.A. Malatest & Associates Ltd., which has been retained by the Ministry of the Solicitor General. The information is treated confidentially and the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of those surveyed will not be included in the survey results provided to the OPP.
Once the survey is complete, the results will be used in the OPP’s Business and Action plans, as well as the Annual Report. The information will also be useful in helping OPP’s North East Region set out goals and objectives to improve on the services it delivers to communities across the Region.
The North East Region detachment surveys will start in September 2024 and are expected to be completed by December 30, 2024. The Ontario Provincial Police would like to thank those who participate in the Community Satisfaction Survey and who take the time to help the OPP in its vision of Safe Communities…A Secure Ontario.
