Eastern Ontario's Top Doctor Wants You to Ride Safe This Spring
Ottawa and Eastern Ontario riders, listen up — as warmer weather opens up the trails, the region's medical officer of health is urging ATV enthusiasts to prioritize safety before heading out this season.
With spring arriving and off-road conditions improving across Eastern Ontario's rural routes and trail networks, local health officials say now is the time to refresh your knowledge on safe riding practices. ATVs are a popular pastime in communities surrounding Ottawa, from the Rideau Lakes to the Lanark Highlands, but they also carry serious injury risks when riders cut corners on safety.
Key Safety Tips from the Medical Officer of Health
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit's medical officer of health outlined several core recommendations for ATV riders of all experience levels:
Wear a helmet — every single time. A properly fitted, certified helmet is the single most effective piece of protective gear you can wear. Head injuries account for a significant proportion of serious ATV-related trauma, and no trail is worth skipping the helmet.
Dress for the ride. Beyond helmets, riders should wear gloves, sturdy boots, long pants, and eye protection. Gravel, branches, and debris can cause serious harm at speed.
Never ride under the influence. Alcohol and ATVs are a dangerous combination. Impaired riding is a leading cause of off-road fatalities across Ontario.
Match the machine to the rider. Children should never operate adult-sized ATVs. Youth machines exist for a reason — oversized vehicles are harder to control and significantly increase crash risk for younger, less experienced riders.
Stay on designated trails. Riding on unfamiliar terrain, private property, or roads increases risk for both riders and others. Eastern Ontario has a solid network of sanctioned trails — use them.
Ride with a buddy. Going out solo in remote areas means help may be far away if something goes wrong. A riding partner can make a critical difference in an emergency.
Why This Matters for the Ottawa Region
ATV riding is woven into the recreational fabric of communities east and west of Ottawa — from Renfrew County to Prince Edward County. Emergency departments in smaller regional hospitals regularly treat ATV-related injuries each season, many of which are preventable.
Eastern Ontario's rural geography also means emergency response times can be significantly longer than in the city. That reality makes pre-ride preparation and safe behaviour even more important for riders venturing into backcountry terrain near Ottawa.
Before You Hit the Trail
Health officials also recommend giving your ATV a pre-season inspection: check brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels before your first ride out. If the machine has been sitting all winter, a visit to a licensed mechanic isn't a bad idea.
For Ottawa families planning recreational trips to cottage country or rural properties this spring, it's also worth reviewing Ontario's ATV regulations, including trail permit requirements and age restrictions, before heading out.
Ride smart, ride safe — Eastern Ontario's trails will be there all season long.
Source: CTV News / Google News Ottawa
