Regulating Children on ATVs

Dear Minister,

We are aware that your Ministry is in the process of reviewing the recommendations from the coroner’s inquest into the death of a seven year old Williamsburg boy who died last May when his ATV crashed into a utility pole. As you are aware, an eight year old boy died in an ATV accident on March 18 in the Ottawa area. He was riding an adult-sized ATV.

This incident furthers the debate about whether children should be allowed to ride an ATV. The debate, which is taking place across the country, illustrates two distinct perspectives on the type of legislation that can best protect the public. Other jurisdictions have consulted the Canada Safety Council in their deliberations, and we hope Ontario will do the same, as it has just done in forming its policy on limited speed motorcycles.

Between 1996 and 2001, ATV sales in Canada tripled. In that same period there was a 50 percent increase in ATV-related hospitalizations. Children between the ages of five and 19 accounted for more than one-third (36 per cent) of the injuries. The factors in these mishaps are well-known. Boys aged 15 to 19 were most at risk. Speed, inexperience, improper apparel, non-use of helmets and alcohol were common factors. A significant number of injured children were passengers, though most ATVs are designed for one rider.

Some medical professionals believe the best way to prevent injuries is simply to prohibit all children under age 16 from riding ATVs of any size. On the other hand, safety practitioners advocate measures to manage the risks, recognizing that the young people most at risk are likely to ride ATVs anyway. They advocate a combination of enforceable regulations, training and public education, and mandatory use of vehicles engineered for children.

The Canada Safety Council maintains to ban the use of ATVs by children under age 16 would be a mistake. Enforcement would be difficult (if not impossible) on private property and in northern and rural communities where ATV use is common, and not just for recreation. Child-size machines with reduced speed capability and a device to stop the vehicle remotely could be removed from sale. Children who ride in spite of a ban will develop a disrespect for the law — an unacceptable attitude to take into adulthood.

Graduated licensing has led to a drop in road fatalities and injuries by letting young drivers gain experience under controlled conditions. It makes sense to apply a similar preventive strategy to ATV safety.

Sincerely,

Emile-J. Therien
President , Canada Safety Council