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McGuinty Government Reminds Riders To Stay Safe This Holiday Weekend
TORONTO, May 16 /CNW/ -
NEWS
Ontarians will be on the move this holiday weekend - and that includes
nearly 300,000 off-road vehicle riders. This long weekend, the McGuinty
government is reminding on- and off-road riders to ride safely.
Last year in Ontario there were 27 all-terrain vehicle-related
fatalities. Alcohol was a contributing factor in at least half of these
collisions.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information
(http://secure.cihi.ca/cihiweb/splash.html), off-road vehicles are among the
top three causes of sports and recreation-related severe injuries during the
summer months. Youth are especially at risk: every year, teenagers make up the
highest number of hospital admissions following off-road vehicle collisions.
QUOTES
"Many Ontario families will be hitting the trails this long weekend -
which for some will be the first ride of the season. Make this weekend
memorable for all the right reasons by staying safe," said Transportation
Minister Jim Bradley (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/about/minister.htm).
"Most injuries are both predictable and preventable," said Margarett
Best, Health Promotion Minister
(http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/margarettbest.asp). "As we move into the
first long weekend of the summer, we encourage all Ontarians to enjoy the
outdoors, be active and stay injury-free."
<<
QUICK FACTS
- Off-road vehicle riding is getting more popular in Ontario. Latest
statistics show that between 1996 and 2005, the number of registered
off-road vehicles has increased by over 128 per cent.
- Impaired off-road vehicle riding is a criminal offence that carries
the same fines and penalties as impaired driving: both will affect
your driving record and insurance rates.
LEARN MORE
The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council's Tips and Guides
(http://www.cohv.ca/tipsandguides.html) web page provides advice to help keep
riders safe, such as:
- Always wear the appropriate helmet and safety gear for your off-road
vehicle
- Never drink and ride: alcohol affects your judgement and ability to
respond quickly to danger
- Let friends and family members know where and when you will be riding
- Carefully supervise children and only allow them to ride vehicles
appropriate for their age group. For help choosing the right off-road
vehicle for your child, check out the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle
Distributors Council's Tips For Trail Riding With Children
(http://www.cohv.ca/kidatv.html).
For more safety tips and information about riding off-road with children,
visit the Canadian Paediatric Society's safety tips for families
(http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/keepingkidssafe/ATV.htm).
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ontario.ca/transportation
Disponible en français
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For further information: Nicole Lippa-Gasparro, Minister's Office, (416) 327-1815; Bob Nichols, Communications Branch, (416) 327-1158
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