RCMP are stepping up enforcement and education efforts to try to stem the increasing number of deaths related to ATVs and snowmobiles.

Yesterday the Mounties announced they’ll be doing more undercover work to catch people in the act, whether it’s a lack of helmets, reckless driving or drug and alcohol use.

Officers will also do more work in plainclothes and use everyday cars, trucks or ATVs themselves, as well as video surveillance.

Rick Noseworthy was on hand for the RCMP briefing yesterday. As head of the Newfoundland T’Railway Council, he says it’s unfortunate that the safety message clearly isn’t resonating with everyone.

He says there’s a common-sense factor that some people won’t grasp until it’s too late, adding there’s no reason not to wear a helmet when riding an ATV.

The RCMP has also launched a 12-week social media campaign which will focus on the real-life devastation caused by the careless and illegal use of ATVs.

Since January 1st, 15 people have died in ATV accidents in RCMP jurisdictions. Meanwhile, the RNC, which polices the Northeast Avalon, Corner Brook and Labrador West areas, is reporting no ATV-related deaths so far this year.