ATV Safety in Ontario: How to Keep Adults and Children Safe

August 07, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a common sight across Ontario, especially during the summer and fall months. Many families enjoy riding ATVs at cottages, on farms, and on recreational trails. While ATVs can be fun and practical, they also pose significant dangers if used improperly — and children are often the most vulnerable riders.

At Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law, we have seen the life-changing injuries that can result from ATV accidents. This blog outlines the risks of ATV use in Ontario and practical steps families can take to stay safe.

Why ATV Accidents Happen

ATVs are powerful vehicles designed to handle rough terrain. However, their design also makes them prone to tipping, rolling over, and losing control at high speeds or on uneven ground.

Common causes of ATV accidents in Ontario include:

• Excessive speed — Many ATVs can reach speeds of over 70 km/h.
• Inexperienced riders — Young or inexperienced drivers may not have the skills to handle sudden changes in terrain.
• Riding without helmets — Head injuries are a leading cause of fatal ATV crashes.
• Alcohol use — Impaired riding remains a major factor in serious ATV injuries.
• Passengers on single-rider machines — Many ATVs are not designed to carry passengers safely.

Children and ATVs: Know the Rules

Ontario has clear laws about who can operate an ATV:

• Riders must be at least 12 years old to drive an ATV on public land, and only under the direct supervision of an adult.
• Helmets approved for motorcycling or off-roading are mandatory for all riders and passengers.
• ATVs must be properly registered and insured when driven on public trails or roads.

Despite these rules, many families allow young children to ride adult-sized ATVs — often unsupervised — putting them at serious risk of rollover accidents and traumatic injuries.

Essential ATV Safety Tips for Families

To help protect yourself and your family, follow these important safety steps:

1. Choose the Right Size ATV
   Children should never ride adult-sized ATVs. Manufacturers provide age guidelines for good reason — the size and power of adult ATVs are too much for young riders to control safely.
2. Wear Proper Protective Gear
   A helmet is non-negotiable, but it shouldn’t stop there. Riders should also wear:

• Eye protection such as goggles
• Gloves to improve grip
• Long sleeves and pants to protect skin from scrapes
• Over-the-ankle boots for stability

1. No Passengers on Single-Rider ATVs
   Never carry passengers on an ATV that’s not designed for two people. Extra weight shifts the centre of gravity, making rollovers more likely.
2. Never Mix Alcohol and Riding
   Operating an ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both illegal and dangerous. Many ATV crashes involve impaired riding, especially among adults at cottages or backcountry gatherings.
3. Supervise Young Riders
   Always supervise children and young teens while they are riding. Teach them to ride responsibly and within their limits. Take a certified ATV safety course together if possible.
4. Stick to Safe Trails
   Stay on designated trails. Riding on unfamiliar or private land can expose riders to hidden obstacles, wildlife encounters, and unpredictable terrain.
5. Perform Regular Maintenance
   Before every ride, check the brakes, lights, tires, and fuel. A mechanical failure in remote areas can leave riders stranded — or cause a crash.

What to Do If an ATV Accident Happens

Despite best efforts, ATV accidents can and do occur. Injuries can range from broken bones to spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one is hurt in an ATV accident, it’s important to know your rights.

You may be eligible for accident benefits through your own insurance, or you may have a claim against a negligent rider or property owner. Our experienced team at Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law can help you navigate the legal and insurance process and secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

We’re Here to Help

ATV riding doesn’t have to be dangerous if the right precautions are taken. By following Ontario’s rules and using common sense, families can enjoy this popular pastime safely.

If you have questions about an ATV injury or need help with a claim, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to protect your rights and guide you every step of the way.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.