Grand Falls-Windsor stepping up enforcement following increase in dangerous ATV driving
Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Barry Manuel says the amount of reckless and illegal ATV driving in the town has led them to partner with the RCMP to increase enforcement. (Twitter)
The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor is continuing a crackdown on dangerous ATV driving in the community, which its mayor says the fault of drivers of all ages and skill levels.
Mayor Barry Manuel told CBC News the town has been working to address safety issues for years, but has recently partnered with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to increase enforcement.
He said most of the problem comes from people using the roads to access other trails, speeding and making dangerous moves on town roads.
"It's not the responsible use of ATVs that we want to see on our roadways. It's the people who are abusing the notion of using roadways to get to the outdoor country areas…. Or not even trying to get to those places and just using our roadways as a playground," he said.
"Driving dangerously near the driveways and properties and all hours of days and night.... Doing all kinds of things that really cause major safety issues."
Manuel said people tend to point fingers at younger drivers when voicing concerns, but said drivers of all ages are dangerously operating ATVs in the community. He hopes to see drivers setting a better example for youth in the future.
"We're seeing adults as well who are not adhering to rules and doing things that we certainly don't see as in the best interest of the town or in the best interest of safety," he said.
The Newfoundland and Labrador government has launched voluntary online training through its MyGovNL portal. Effective Oct. 15, it will be mandatory for anyone registering an off-road vehicle for the first time, as well as for anyone who has had their registration cancelled or suspended due to an off-road offence.
Other communities like Corner Brook have implemented rules around where ATVs can and can't be driven in the city. Manuel said Grand Falls-Windsor doesn't have those rules currently, but is encouraging all riders to drive safely and smartly.
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