ATV Safety - Gear And Tips
Whether you are out working in the yard, or adventuring through the trails, ATVs & Four Wheelers are the perfect addition to any family. Regardless of your riding skill, or what you use your ATV for, it is crucial to make safety a number one priority. With just a few pieces of equipment and some good riding habits, you can ensure the safest experience on any ATV.
Rider Equipment
Picking the right equipment is the first step to safe riding; before you've even thrown your leg over the seat of your ATV! Riding an ATV can be messy and unpredictable, so you'd best be dressed for the occasion. Start with proper head protection. A good dual sport helmet with a comfortable fit is a must, but don't forget to get a set of comfortable fog resistant goggles to keep your eyes protected as well. Long pants, and a long sleeve shirt are also basic requirements. A sturdy set of gloves will save you from bloody knuckles if a branch comes swinging your way, and a good set of boots is a must have, or you might have to discover why people don't go hiking in tennis shoes.
Riding Safely
Safe Riding is mostly about common sense. First, don't ever operate an ATV or any vehicle under the influence of drugs and alcohol, duh. Second, make sure you stay within the operational limits of your ATV, be aware of what your ATV can and cannot do, and stick inside the safe zone. On that note, know what you can and cannot do, so you don't ride into a situation that's out of your depth. If you want to build your skills, take a riding course to learn how to handle a situation in a safe, controlled environment. Never put two riders on a single rider ATV, it may seem like the seat is big enough, but two-up ATVs are built with suspension made for the extra weight, if you overload a single rider ATVs suspension, you open yourself up to an increased risk for a rollover, and then no one will be having a good time.
ATV Equipment
Outfit your ATV with the right gear to allow you to have a safe ride! There are tons of different parts and accessories you can add onto an ATV to make your ride safer in a variety of conditions. If you're heading out in the early morning, or might be coming back at night an LED lighting setup will help you keep your eyes on the trail. If you're heading out to do some riding on sand, don't take off until you've outfitted your ATV with some paddle tires so you don't get stuck. ATVs really are made for all terrain, but they're not made for all terrains at the same time, so make sure you've got your ATV outfitted for success and you'll reduce your chances of getting stuck or hurt when you ride.
There you have it, a few tips and equipment investments to help keep you and your family safe while operating an ATV or Four Wheeler. These will help ensure that you're able to continue mobbing through trails every day of the year!