Mount Pearl, August 16, 2023 - Safety NL is deeply saddened by the news that two teens were fatally injured over the weekend as a result of separate ATV accidents and expresses its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the teens.
An 18-year old woman from Ontario sustained fatal injuries when the ATV she was driving left the road near North Harbour. She was wearing a helmet at the time. In a separate incident near Bishop’s Falls, a 15-year old girl was fatally injured when the machine she was on left the path. Neither she nor the driver were wearing seat belts or helmets.
Sean Kelly, President and CEO of Safety NL, a not-for-profit provider of driver education, motorcycle and off-road vehicle training says, “provincial ATV regulations currently require youth under 16 to be trained and supervised by an adult who is safety trained. Government is developing an online ATV training program as part of the regulations, but operating these types of heavy and powerful vehicles requires knowledge and skills that come from properly certified training programs with practical components.”
Mr. Kelly says on-line training courses impart knowledge, but they do not build driver competency. Safety NL’s off-road vehicle instructors are certified by the Canada Safety Council which is the current Gold Standard for Canada. A certificate from Safety NL is issued to drivers after they demonstrate competency.
Media Contact:
Sean Kelly
President and CEO Safety NL
709-754-0210
skelly@safetynl.ca
www.safetynl.ca