Inukjuak mayor battles rising tide of ATV mishaps

After a rash of deadly accidents, Inukjuak’s mayor hopes to convince the Kativik regional council to make strict rules for driving all-terrain vehicles in Nunavik.

Andy Moorhouse said his community needs to clamp down on reckless ATV drivers, especially before his Hudson Bay community gets asphalt next year.

He plans to lobby fellow regional councillors at their next meeting, during the week of Sept. 20, to design new rules for the road that will slow down people who are speeding.

Moorhouse said he also expects to create a local bylaw to make helmets mandatory when driving ATVs.

Inukjuak residents have seen several ATV accidents this summer, including the death of a 45-year-old pedestrian, Lucassie Echalook, who was run over by a 14-year-old boy last month. Charges are pending.

Inukjuak also witnessed a serious ATV collision around the same time, involving a drunk driver that sent two youth to hospital in Montreal. The driver and passenger only recently came out of their comas, and are still being treated for their injuries.

Moorhouse said the accidents, mainly involving youth and alcohol, could have been avoided. “It’s just neglect of the rules.”

His lobby to increase street safety will include the mayor of Puvirnituq, where a man flipped his ATV and died instantly last month.

Residents of Inukjuak will also do their part, with a billboard campaign that will place pictures around the community, reminding drivers to watch out for pedestrians and children playing in the street.

Moorhouse hopes the Northern store will contribute to the campaign by selling helmets for reduced prices to customers who buy ATVs.