Man dies in ATV accident in central P.E.I.

A Charlottetown man is dead following an all-terrain vehicle accident in Wheatley River on Saturday evening, RCMP say.

According to police, the49-year-old struck a tree while riding his ATV on his friend's property.

"There was a laneway, and the laneway had a bit of a curve in it," explained Cpl. Scott Gosse. "He went off the laneway and a struck a tree."

Gosse said paramedics attempted to resuscitate the man, but were unable to due to the severity of his injuries. He died at the scene.

Speed, alcohol may have been factors: RCMP

Gosse said after speaking to witnesses, RCMPhave determined the man wasn't wearing a helmet, and that speed and alcohol may have been factors.

He said this fatality highlights the need for ATV drivers, whereverthey're driving, to wear a helmet which is required by law and to not ride while impaired.

"ATVsare treated asmotorized vehicles," said Gosse.

"You're not allowed to be impaired on that vehicle The dangers are that you are not able to react as quickly, you're not able to focus as quickly,causing you to not be able to operate that motor vehicle to be safe."

Gosse said an autopsy on the man will be performed to determine the exact cause of death, and the contributing factors that led to the crash.

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