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We'll be posting articles regularly here from our Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario Newsletter which we hope will be of interest to our clients.
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Do you own or
operate an ATV?

Ontario Regulations:
Regulations allow certain All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) to have greater access to the shoulder and paved portions of some Ontario highways. This change became effective July 31, 2003 and applies only to ATV's with the following characteristics:

  • Four wheels, with all tires in contact with the ground
  • Steering handlebars
  • A seat that is designed to be straddled by the driver
  • Designed to carry a driver only (no passengers)

    Qualified ATV's (as described above) are now permitted to operate on the shoulder of certain highways* provided they:
    1. Travel in the same direction as the traffic
    2. Move to the traveled portion of the highway only if the shoulder is impassable/unsafe
    3. Observe a speed limit that is lower than the posted limits (maximum 20 km/h where the posted limit is 50 km/h or less, maximum 50 km/h where the posted limit is over 50 km/h)
    4. Do not carry passengers.

    Licence and Registration Requirements

    The law requires that all riders wear an approved motorcycle helmet and have a valid G2/M2 or greater driver's licence when operating on a permitted road.

    All ATV's must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation and have a valid permit -- this includes vehicles that are operated exclusively on your own property.

    ATV's can not be registered to anyone under the age of 16.

    Persons under 12 years of age are not permitted to drive an ATV except on land occupied by the vehicle owner and while under close supervision of an adult.

    In Ontgario, ATV's must be insured under an Automobile Policy. Call us to make sure you're covered.

    Enforcement personnel have instituted a zero tolerance for those who choose to ride without the necessary documentation. Those riding without a licence or insurance will fce stiff penalites and fines.

    Visit www.e-laws.gov.on.ca and go to Ontario Regulation 316/03 "Operation of Off-Road Vehicles on Highways" for more information.

    * ATV's are prohibited from all 400 series highways, the Trans Canada Highway and the Queen Elizabeth Way. Other Ontario highways may have limited access and or restricted areas. Refer to the website www.e-laws.gove.on.ca for a full list.

    • Save your neck from whiplash --
    Raise your headrest!

    Whiplash. Ouch! Even the sound of the word makes many people feel ill. Here's some startling news. In Ontario, only 13 out of 100 drivers have properly adjusted headrests. Are you one of them?

    A recent study by the Insurance Bureau of Canada used videotape to observe at toal of 7,571 drivers and 1,090 passengers as they approached intersections or were in stop-and-go traffic.

    They found that over half (53%) of the drivers observed, had their headrest in such a poor position, it would not protect them at all from an injury in a rear-end collision. The full results of this study can be found at www.ibc.ca/headrest.asp .

    Properly adjusted headrests can dramatically reduce the number and severity of soft tissue injuries if you are involved in a rear-end collision. For safety's sake, adjust your headrest to save your neck.

    How Can I Adjust my Headrest?

    Having your headrest adjusted properly is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

    1. The centre of the headrest should be slightly above the top of the ear.

    2. The top of the headrest should be at least as high as the top of the head.

    3. Ideally the distance between the headrest and the back of the head should be between 5 and 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches).

    For diagrams showing the difference between poor and ideal positioning of headrests, click here