Public Safety launches the ABCs of ATVs Safety Campaign

08/07/2023

The Public Safety Division of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke announced that an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Campaign has been developed to address the numerous complaints and instances of misuse of ATVs, side-by-sides (also known as Utility Task Vehicles or UTVs) and other off-road vehicles in the community.

“This problem was first identified when the warm weather hit, and we immediately took note of how common it is to see ATVs and other vehicles on the road,” said Public Safety Portfolio Lead Ryan Montour. “The Council of Chiefs have been monitoring this and, in an effort to be proactive, have given the mandate to do something about it before somebody gets seriously hurt.”

The plan’s goals are to reduce the number of ATV and UTV accidents in the community, reduce the number of complaints reported to the Kahnawake Peacekeepers, and increase awareness of the rules and regulations concerning the safe and responsible use of ATVs and UTVs.

“We have a responsibility to the community to make sure that everyone is aware of a) what the rules are, b) how to stay safe, and c) where and how to safely enjoy your ATV,” stated Public Safety Commissioner Lloyd Phillips. “While we can’t stop individuals from purchasing these vehicles, we can educate them on how to keep themselves and everyone around them safe.”

“We look forward to engaging the community as we roll out this campaign,” said Peacekeeper Public Relations Officer Kyle Zachary. “Education and awareness are part of Community Policing, and we have a number of strategies that we hope will reach a large segment of our population.”