As the temperatures continue to rise, so do the number of off-road vehicles (OVR's) that are out and about.
While spending time on your ORV can make for a great day, the Manitoba RCMP is urging every rider to remain safe and not to drive faster than you are used to.
In 2020, RCMP responded to seven fatal collisions including ORVs and 46 collisions where serious injuries occurred. Although the RCMP couldn't provide any early numbers this year, Tara Seel did confirm that they have already responded to ORV collisions in the province.
So before you turn on your ORV next time, make sure you know what you can and can't do.
- Anyone under the age of 14 must-have direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian who is a minimum of 18 years of age. Youth over the age of 14 can ride without parental supervision, but cannot cross a roadway until they obtain a valid driver’s license;
- ORVs are not to be operated on roadways, shoulders, medians of divided roadways, or sidewalks;
- ORVs are permitted to be in the ditch, provided travel is in the same direction as vehicle traffic, the ORV is to the right of the roadway and the shoulder, and the ORV is being operated in an area where ORV use is permitted. Always remember to be on the lookout for hazards in the ditch, such as culverts, driveway approaches, and road signs.
Even if you are an experienced driver in a vehicle, Seel says that may not be the case when on an off-road vehicle.
"You might be great behind the wheel of a vehicle, but ORVs are different," said Seel. "They handle differently, there are tipping factors and the fact that your head isn't covered as it would be in a car. It's extremely important that you take the time to learn how to drive properly."
While you may drive in a ditch, there are several places that you can't take your off-road vehicle.
- On privately owned or leased land without permission.
- Within 30 metres of a playground or area set aside for recreation that is not fully fenced.
- Environmentally sensitive areas and wetlands, and areas easily damaged by churning wheels.
You should always remember to use caution when conditions are dry as sparks from an ORV can ignite grass and branches, starting a fire.
Seel hopes everyone that uses an off-road vehicle enjoys their time this summer, as long as they are safe while doing so.
"We encourage everyone to get outdoors after spending so much time inside with everything going on," said Seel.
