Most likely, at this point, you’re all aware of the New ATV legislations and its take on ATV and Quad bike riding. You’re also now aware of the accidents related to ATV ridings and how important helmets are. Now, this is the part where you’ll know the safety tips before and during riding an ATV.
What are the 5 safety tips before riding an ATV?
Before, ATVs and Quad bikes were used for agricultural purposes; but at present, ATV riding has become an extreme outdoor activity for many people, including families.
It may be exciting and fun but its dangers and consequences are facts we cannot just ignore. So, if you still desire to go on ATV riding, we’ve listed a few safety tips you can use before and during riding an ATV.
Take safety courses and training
Before hopping on your ride, you should take safety courses and training, especially if this is your first time at ATV riding.
Taking training and courses will help you learn the proper driving techniques so you can safely drive an ATV. Some of the important things you will learn in ATV safety courses are:
- Hill riding
- Pre-ride inspection
- Starting and stopping
- Emergency stopping
- Riding over obstacles
Read the operator’s manual
It may sound like a bummer but manuals are made for a reason. Reading the operator’s manual will help you get to know how your ATV works and how to operate it correctly. In case an unplanned situation happens, you’ll know how to handle your ATV.
Wear proper safety gear
One of the most important safety tips in riding an ATV is wearing proper safety gear. In the previous part of this blog, we’ve mentioned that accidents like rollover and collision can happen in ATV riding.
To help you avoid serious injuries in case any accident happens, you must wear proper safety gear like:
- Helmet
- Boots
- Gloves
- Goggles
These safety gear can reduce the effect of possible injuries you can get in case of an accident.
If you’re looking for top-quality products, we have a wide range of proper safety gear from head to toe. Check out the products we offer and should you require a product that is not in our stock, we can get it for you quickly.
Call us and we surely have the safety gear you’re looking for.
Bring any communication device
ATV trails are often far from the cities; therefore, it is a must to carry your mobile or any type of communication device, like a satellite phone. Satellite phones may be more helpful, especially if your chosen ATV trail does not have any reception. This way, if you get lost or caught in a fluke, they know where to search and find you.
Wear bright and reflective clothing
You’ve read this right. Wearing bright and reflective clothing is a safety tip when riding an ATV.
ATV collisions are one of the typical accidents that happen in ATV riding. So, wearing bright and reflective clothing will make it easier for another rider to see you. As a result, you can avoid each other instead of colliding with each other.
Bonus: Additional Pro tips
As a bonus for sticking with us up until this last part of the blog, below are some pro tips when you ride your ATV.
Maintain balance and centre of gravity
To avoid rollover accidents, you need to keep control of your ATV by maintaining balance and awareness of the centre of your gravity. This is very important when you’re in an inclined position and you plan to turn and make a stop. In this case, you will need to use your body weight to counteract the ATV’s momentum.
Keep a correct riding posture
Keeping a correct riding posture will help you act quickly and avoid any tricky situation that may arise while riding.
Avoid distractions
Distractions like animals, pretty sunsets, onlookers, and other riders should be avoided as much as you can. Other distractions like music should also be avoided. These can pull your attention away from concentrating on properly driving your ATV.
Don’t go on paved roads
Approximately 33% of accidents relating to ATVs happened on paved roads. Since an ATV is not designed to run on smooth surfaces, which paved roads have, you’ll experience more difficulty in controlling it.
There’s also a chance of colliding with another vehicle (not an ATV) when you go on paved roads.
Recognize the ATV’s limits
ATVs have limits. It may not have the right power to get up a steep hill, or it may not be equipped to drive in deep waters, or it may be too heavy to jump over a log, and that’s okay. You don’t have to push it too hard. Make sure you know and recognize these limitations on your ATV.
Recognize your limits
As ATVs have limits, your skills and experience have limits you need to recognize too. Take these limits as a good thing. It lets you know your own Dos and Don’ts.
For example, if you know to yourself that you don’t have the right skills yet to jump a log, don’t do it. Pushing yourself and your ATV too hard can only lead you to an accident.
That’s why this is a safety tip when riding an ATV. Recognizing your limitations can keep you away from unexpected disasters.
Stay on proper ATV riding location
Trailing to unmarked woods and unexplored areas can be tempting, but staying on the proper and designated ATV riding location is better and safer. Many areas are designated by different states and federal lands as a safe ATV trail. So, you better stay on these tracks to avoid dangerous obstacles and getting lost in a wooded area.
ATV riding is a fun, adventurous, and potentially dangerous ride and we get if many people are attracted to doing this. So, if you plan to go ATV riding, make sure to follow our safety tips when riding an ATV here.
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