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RANKIN INLET - The local detachment of the RCMP is reminding residents of Rankin Inlet they must wear helmets at all times when riding their ATVs.

Sgt. Louis Jenvenne recently voiced his concern to hamlet council on the matter.

The Rankin Inlet detachment of the RCMP is reminding residents helmets must always be worn when on an ATV. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

He said he was surprised to see so many people riding on machines without wearing a helmet shortly after his arrival in Rankin this past February.

"The ATV Act is very clear on this matter in that anyone riding on an ATV has to wear a helmet," said Jenvenne.

"This is not a sudden crackdown, but rather the enforcement of the ATV Act and simply following the rules.

"The helmet rule was, as I understand it, apparently relaxed here during the winter, but a local bylaw or decision cannot supersede the act.

"I understand it's quite cold in the winter, but, if something unfortunate were to happen, someone could be liable."

Jenvenne said the council members were quite receptive to his comments.

He said it's very difficult for police to enforce a law sometimes, but not always.

"It's just so much easier for everyone when there's a rule and you follow it.

"If a rule needs to be changed, then you change the rule, or the law, the act, or whatever it is.

"But when there's a rule in place, we should be following it at all times.

"It just makes life easier for all of us."

Jenvenne said police are also keeping an eye out for dangerous situations - particularly when too many people ride on one machine.

He said while the ATV is a traditional form of transportation and not everyone can afford a new car or truck, common sense must prevail.

"It's difficult because a lot of people do use an ATV as their primary vehicle, but it's still something we have to look at.

"We obviously have to try and educate people to follow the rules because ensuring the safety of the general public is what the act is all about.

"So, if there's a safety issue caused by too many people on a machine, they're going to be warned.

"This territory has seen a lot of injuries as a result of ATV accidents, so if I see five or six kids piled on an ATV, I guarantee you I'm going to stop them."