Spike in ATV deaths prompts call for more enforcement, individual caution
RCMP reported 5 fatal off-road-vehicle accidents over one week in July
A recent jump in ATV-related deaths is prompting a call for more enforcement and more adherence to safety rules from New Brunswick's off-road-vehicle association.
July has been a particularly deadly month for off-road-vehicle riders, with five deaths reported in a week. Four of those involved people under the age of 24.
But 2024 has also seen more deaths to date than usual, an analysis of RCMP reports dating back to 2017 shows.
Over that time, the seven-year average for deaths involving off-road vehicles like ATVs, side-by-sides and snowmobiles was 10.
But just over halfway into 2024, the RCMP has already reported 11 deaths among those driving off-road vehicles.
Spokesperson Cpl. Hans Ouellette said New Brunswick RCMP officers "have attended a significant number" of fatal accidents since the summer began.
"The only thing that I can say that is tougher than delivering bad news to a family member or a loved one, is being the person receiving that knock on the door," Ouellette said.
Jim McGregor, chief instructor with Quad N.B., said the off-road community is always affected when accidents claim lives.
"Any death or accident are tragedies," he said in an interview. "But it puts a black eye on all of the ATVing community."
McGregor said it's hard to pinpoint one cause for the jump, but he believes both government and individual riders have a role in reversing the trend.
He noted the province's Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement Unit, which was created by the Department of Public Safety in 2008 during another instance where deaths were on the rise.
"That was a great step forward. But over the years they've dwindled in numbers, they've given them other roles, so enforcement is not really there," said McGregor.
"Unless someone has really put a lot of complaints in, they won't go to any specific area and watch for infractions. So what we really need is the government to kind of step up with better enforcement and dedicated resources."
He said there have also been more trails recently added to allow riders to visit communities, access supplies and boost local tourism.
"Some people take that a little too far and start driving their ATV around town. Now, we all know that's illegal, but a lot of them will zip down the side of the highway thinking, 'Oh, I'm on the shoulder, it's OK,'" McGregor said.
"Now you're riding on an unpaved shoulder, on a vehicle that's designed for off-road use ... they're going down the side of the road at a higher rate of speed, because it's a highway, and they hit a ditch. Well the ATV never should have been there in the first place."
A request for comment and staffing numbers for the unit went unanswered by the Department of Public Safety.
McGregor said it's equally important for individual riders to set a good example and make sure they are educated on the rules before taking to the trails.
"Most of the time when children get hurt it's because an adult let them ride their adult ATV," he said. "When an adult gets hurt, they're almost always breaking one of the established laws."
He said the pandemic brought more new riders into the picture, and some may think if they can drive a car, they can start driving an ATV immediately.
"You have to wear the proper equipment, get proper training, especially for the kids, and once you've done all that, then you can go out and enjoy the trails," McGregor said, noting Quad N.B. offers its own family courses.
"Ride with respect — respect for the environment, respect for local laws, respect for other riders. Wear all the proper equipment ... don't show off, don't be stupid, be the responsible rider."
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