FREDERICTON – New Brunswick RCMP say the number of deaths in all-terrain vehicle accidents in the province has reached a four-year high.

According to police, drinking and a lack of helmet use have been major factors in eight fatal ATV crashes so far this year.

Alcohol was involved in six of the cases, while the victim was not wearing a helmet in five of them.

RCMP say eight people died in ATV accidents last year.

Five were killed in both 2010 and 2009.