Manitoba RCMP issued a safety reminder for off-road vehicle users following two separate incidents resulting in one fatality and another injury on Wednesday. In the first event at Little Saskatchewan First Nation, Gypsumville officers responded to a 31-year-old man driving an all-terrain vehicle where a 20-year-old woman, not wearing a helmet, fell off and died on impact. The driver was charged with dangerous operation and impaired driving causing death.
Later that evening in Brochet, Thompson rural RCMP were informed of a collision involving two youths and an ATV. A 14-year-old boy sustained serious injuries, allegedly hit by a 13-year-old boy from South Indian Lake driving without headlights. The injured teen was treated and released in Winnipeg, with ongoing police investigation.
Manitoba RCMP reported six off-road vehicle-related deaths this year and emphasized the risks of driving under the influence, stressing the importance of helmets and seatbelt usage where applicable. They advised against carrying passengers unless the vehicle is designed for it and prohibited operating off-road vehicles on public roads, except for crossing with a valid driver’s license. Children under 14 must be supervised by adults when using such vehicles.