ATV riders urged to wear helmets after 14 deaths across Ontario this year

An undated image of a red all-terrain vehicle in a field. (File photo/Maturos Yaowanawisit/GettyImages)

Ontario Provincial Police urge off-road enthusiasts to always wear a helmet, even when riding on private property, after a troubling number of ATV-related deaths this year.

Police say so far in 2025, 14 people have died in ATV and off-road vehicle incidents across the province, and about one-third of those victims were not wearing helmets.

"You need to wear your helmet whether you’re driving a side-by-side, a traditional ATV four-wheeler, maybe you’re operating a dirt bike, whatever it is, you’ve got to have the safety equipment on so that you are protected," said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt in a video posted to social media on Wednesday.

Schmidt warned the consequences of a fall can be devastating. "If you fall from your machine, you hit the ground, a tree or a rock, you are going to be paying the price."

The majority of fatal ATV crashes happen off-road, not on highways, but on private property or in the back country, often in unpredictable terrain, OPP stated.

"Please understand, the conditions can be unpredictable and by the time you see there’s a hazard you may be going too fast and you’re unable to avoid a collision," Schmidt said.

The OPP emphasized the distance from emergency help in remote areas can make those incidents more dangerous. Schmidt strongly encouraged riders to be cautious for their own safety and that of any passengers.

“Help can be a long ways away, so you need to stay safe. Be responsible. Make sure you and any passengers are wearing your helmets,” he added. “Take care of yourself and take care of everyone else. Stay safe.”

The OPP reminds riders wearing proper safety equipment isn’t just common sense, it’s also the law when operating an ATV, side-by-side, or dirt bike on private property.