Timmins police charge multiple ATV drivers on Monday

Police in Timmins charged multiple ATV drivers on July 20 with several offences, prompting a reminder from police that off-road vehicles still have to abide by the law. (File)

Police in Timmins charged multiple ATV drivers on July 20 with several offences, prompting a reminder from police that off-road vehicles still have to abide by the law.

Around 9 p.m., police responded to an incident on Brundy Avenue after receiving reports of an ATV rollover.

“The driver of the ATV sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment,” police said in a July 21 news release.

“While investigating the collision, officers also interacted with two other ATV operators who had been riding with the injured driver.”

One of those drivers was charged with refusing to comply with a demand for a breath sample, while the other had their licence suspended after a breath sample found they had more than 50 mgs of alcohol in their system.

Same laws apply

“The Timmins Police Service wants to remind the public that choosing to operate an ATV after consuming alcohol or drugs is just as dangerous -- and just as illegal -- as impaired driving in a passenger vehicle,” police said.

“ATVs provide little protection in the event of a collision or rollover, making impaired operation especially dangerous and significantly increasing the risk of serious injury or death.”

Earlier in the day, just after 4 p.m., police spotted someone driving an ATV “without licence plates in the area of Gold Mine Road and Vipond Road,” the release said.

The operator was charged with driving without plates, not having insurance or a permit.

“The Timmins Police Service reminds all ATV owners and operators that they are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are properly registered, plated, and insured where required by law,” police said.

“Operating an uninsured or unregistered ATV can result in significant fines and places both the operator and others at risk.”