Wood Buffalo RCMP have issued a stern warning to the Fort McMurray community following a spate of off-road vehicle collisions that occurred within a single week. Police emphasized that operating dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on municipal roads and trails is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Three Crashes in Five Days
The first incident occurred shortly after midnight on Tuesday, June 22, when police responded to a call at 12:41 a.m. on the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, just south of Fort McMurray. An ATV carrying teenagers struck a pole. The three teenagers, aged between 11 and 16, were not wearing helmets and sustained multiple injuries. According to a police news release, alcohol may have been a contributing factor.
Two days later, on June 24, another crash was reported just before 1:00 a.m. on Clearwater Drive in downtown Fort McMurray. An adult male riding an e-dirt bike crashed into a fence. The rider, who was not wearing a helmet and showed signs of intoxication, suffered multiple serious injuries. Police noted that e-dirt bikes can reach speeds of 110 km/h with a power output of 22,000 W—enough to power an entire house—far exceeding the 32 km/h maximum of regular e-bikes.
Third Incident and Ongoing Investigation
The third collision occurred on June 26, when a 21-year-old man driving a dirt bike crashed into a wooden pole along Wilson Drive. He was transported to an Edmonton-area hospital with serious injuries. All three incidents remain under investigation.
Wood Buffalo RCMP spokesperson said in a statement: “Operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) in such a manner is dangerous, can cause serious injuries or death, is illegal and can result in criminal charges and fines.” Police highlighted reckless driving, lack of safety gear, and alcohol use as common factors in the crashes.
Local Bylaws Prohibit OHV Use
While OHV usage is common on municipal roads in the Abasand area, Wood Buffalo bylaws prohibit the use of quad bikes, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and ATVs in the Urban Service Area, including all sidewalks, parks, green spaces, and urban trails in Fort McMurray outside the Abasand neighborhood. Legal staging areas are listed on the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) website.
Police urge residents to adhere to the law and prioritize safety to prevent further tragedies.
