An association representing trail-riding clubs across the province says fatalities involving all-terrain vehicles would be reduced if Ontario had a universal, single-pass trail system for ATVs.
Shari Black, executive director of the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs, says her organization has been lobbying the province to approve an ATV trail system similar to the one operated by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).
Black, who is based near Ottawa, said an OFSC-style system for ATVs would encourage ATV riders to stay on approved trails where speeds are limited to 50 km/h.
"The speeds are slower, and there aren't any cars," she said. Many ATV crashes occur on public roads or on private property.
The OFSC system features trail passes that enable sledders to travel on any OFSC-approved trail in the province. That system could also work on ATV trails, Black said.
Last week, the Ontario Provincial Police reported a spike in ATV-related deaths so far this season compared to the same time last year.
Police said eight drivers and one passenger have so far been killed in ATV crashes, compared to four people who died over the same period in 2023.
"With one third of this year's fatalities involving alcohol and/or drugs, the data is a reminder that some ATV riders dismiss the significant risks these and other poor riding behaviours pose," an OPP news release said.
"More than half of the deceased (were) found without a helmet," it added.
Helmets are legally required in Ontario when riding ATVs, unless riders are on their own property.
There are more than 285,000 ATV and side-by-side vehicles insured in Ontario, said Black, noting the pastime is growing in popularity, particularly in the tourism sector.
It's been estimated that ATV day-trippers spend more than $250 for gas, meals and other expenses during an outing, Black said.