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ATV safety sits squarely on operator’s shoulders

OPP News Release ************************* Northeastern Ontario - When you think you’re ready to hit the ATV trails, make sure you’ve completed your pre-trip inspection.
OPP News Release

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Northeastern Ontario - When you think you’re ready to hit the ATV trails, make sure you’ve completed your pre-trip inspection. Mechanical failure can mean more than a trailside inconvenience, brake failure on a sharp corner on downhill run could be a life threatening situation. Traveling on an ATV in Northern Ontario can easily distance the operator 30 to 60 kilometres away from home base. It makes good sense to perform regular preventative maintenance and to take the time to go over your machine using a pre-trip circle check.

• Wash the machine to easily identify damaged, worn or loose parts.
• Inspect the condition of the frame, engine guards, cables, grease fittings and fuel line.
• Check for twigs or rocks that may have become lodged in the frame.
• Check steering for excessive play and test suspension components.
• Tighten the wheels, check tire pressure and wear.
• Listen for excessive wheel and brake noise.
• Check that the battery has sufficient cranking power and that the throttle and choke operate smoothly.
• Check the running lights and the brake lights.
• Ensure the license plate is properly affixed.

Always operate your machine in a safe and responsible manner. Inexperienced riders operating a borrowed machine may drive beyond their capabilities with catastrophic results. An older style three-wheeled machine can easily become unstable and flip causing serious injury or death. Alcohol and speed often factor in ATV crashes. Quite simply, the responsibility for ATV maintenance, operation and trail safety sits squarely on the shoulders of the operator.

In 2008, North East Region OPP investigated five ATV deaths and so far in 2009, one ATV death.

Recreational ATVing is meant to be enjoyable but these machines should never be considered toys. Safety equipment, proper clothing and footwear are recommended and an approved motorcycle helmet is required by law.

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