Experience and regulation: Official explains ORV safety rules

OTTAWA COUNTY — For many families across West Michigan, off-road vehicles offer a crucial gateway to the outdoors, providing a break from technology and a way to spend time together.

Although Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jake MacKeller views ORV riding as a fun, seasonal activity, he issued a powerful caution: enjoying the sport incident-free requires deep education, official certification and extensive experience.

MacKeller, who has been operating ORVs for over 30 years, enjoys riding along the sprawling dunes along the lakeshore. 

But with the joys of ORV riding also comes the dangers, he said, stressing that most accidents happen when a driver pushes their limits.

“Most of the time accidents happen when the driver is operating outside of the scope of their experience,” MacKeller said. 

“You have to know what your limits are and try to maintain a speed you can handle.”

He said anyone getting on an ORV needs to properly assess their gear and environment before setting out on a ride.

“The key thing is that you try to test the abilities of the vehicle you’re in or the terrain you’re riding,” he said, urging everyone to prioritize safety and certification. 

Beyond experience, MacKeller cited routine vehicle maintenance and “riding sober” as must-follow rules for all operators.

Protection, preparedness and state law

The need for caution is highlighted by Michigan’s strict regulatory framework. 

Michigan law factors heavily on a child’s age, the land they are riding on and mandatory adult supervision.

Youth under the age of 16 are required to pass an approved ORV safety course, and must have their safety certificate on them to operate an ORV on public or private land, according to Michigan law. Online or in-person classes can be found on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. 

Keeping safety top of mind

Statistically in recent years, ORV accidents are fairly infrequent in Ottawa County.

According to the Michigan Traffic Crash Reporting’s 2023 data, Ottawa County had two property-damage ORV accidents last year, with no injuries. 

However, authorities warn against complacency.

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The dangers of ORVs at the hands of a minor became tragically clear following a recent fatality in Mason County’s Free Soil. 

Peyton Mackenzie Burkhart, 10, of Grand Haven, was killed on Friday, Oct. 17, after the ATV she was driving flipped and pinned her, while her 14-year-old sister, Avery, was the passenger.

Gearing up

Mackeller stressed the need for “personal protection” when riding at any age. This includes wearing a helmet, eye protection and long sleeves, as well as the immediate use of the vehicle seatbelts. 

For side-by-sides, he recommended investing in a five-point harness for enhanced safety.

MacKeller said, despite the dangers, ORV riding can have a positive impact: providing the chance to get families outside and together — but only when certification and safety are the absolute priorities.

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.