ATV Safety Tips

Protect yourself: Just like riding a motorcycle or bicycle, you should always wear a helmet when riding an ATV. Helmets certified by the US Department of Transportation and/or the Snell Memorial Foundation have undergone vigorous safety testing for your protection. If you wish for a bit of extra protection, wear boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt as well. 

Limit riders: If an ATV is only designed to carry one person, do not allow a passenger to ride behind you. Some ATVs are designed for two people, but that’s as many people that can ever safely fit on an ATV. Do not exceed this limit. 

Ride off-road: ATVs are designed for off-roading and they don’t always handle well on pavement. They certainly don’t handle as well as cars or motorcycles. The only time you should ever ride an ATV on pavement is when crossing a street. Remember to look for oncoming cars before crossing. 

Avoid alcohol and drugs: Just like with any motor vehicle, do not consume alcohol or drugs before or while driving an ATV. Impaired judgment and reaction time could have deadly consequences. 

Supervise children:  90 percent of youth ATV accidents occur while a child is driving an adult-sized ATV. If you’re going to allow your kid to drive an ATV, it should be size appropriate and children under 16 should be supervised by an adult at all times.