Two children, one 14 the other just 12, were injured in recent crashes involving off-road vehicles being operated while unsupervised.

The two separate incidents occurred within days of each other in the Trinity-Conception area, leading to reminders from RCMP about provincial laws forbidding children 16 and under from operating off-road vehicles without adult supervision.

Rick Noseworthy of the Avalon T’Railways Association says the news is disheartening, especially so early in the season, and ultimately, responsibility lies with the parents or guardians.

“I think what happens,” says Noseworthy, “is that the fun outweighs the consequences.” He says the kids like it, “and beg mom and dad to go, (and) mom and dad give in…I don’t understand,” says Noseworthy as a grandfather who takes his grandchild out. “The thought of letting him go, it just doesn’t make any sense to me.”