ATV Safety Tips
ATVs are extremely powerful vehicles, whether you use yours for work on the farm or for flying around the dunes. But every year, many people get themselves into trouble while riding these four-wheelers. Sometimes this is the result of rider error, sometimes failed equipment, and other times, it’s due to the weather and riding conditions. If you want to stay safe on an ATV, you should keep a few things in mind. This short guide will teach you about the basics of rider safety.
Gear Up
When riding an ATV, you don’t get the seatbelts, airbags, and crumple zones that have made modern automobiles so much safer. Your only safety equipment will be what you wear on your body. Some of the pieces of gear, like eyewear and gloves, are designed to keep you more comfortable and in control when you’re riding. Others, such as your helmet and chest/shoulder pads protect you when the worst happens.
It’s crucial that you don’t cut corners when choosing ATV riding gear because quality gear can make the difference between life and death during a crash. Make sure you find a helmet that fits properly and has a good crash test rating.
Regular Maintenance
Having reliable equipment is another crucial point for staying safe on an ATV. It’s helpful to make a riding checklist to make sure you check every important component before you leave. Make sure the tires are inflated to the proper level and are free of cracks, tears, bumps, or embedded objects. Your brakes should provide smooth, consistent stopping power. If you feel grinding or excessive vibration, you’ll want to get them checked out. Also, make sure your engine fluids are at the correct levels or else you might end up stranded far from home.
Basic Rider Safety
A few rules will keep you much safer once you actually get out on the trail. First of all, try to actually stay on trails and known ground. It may be tempting to go off trail, but this is often when riders find themselves finding cliffs, trenches, and other obstacles that can lead to a wreck. As much as possible, try to get to know the area where you’ll be riding before you head out. Always try to ride in pairs so that one person can help the other get back to safety in the case of a crash. That being said, don’t overload your ATV with another rider if it’s only designed for one person. ATVs can have major problems with braking and steering when overloaded with weight.
Hopefully, this ATV safety guide has been helpful. If you need parts or services for your quad, stop by Sky Powersports Cocoa. You’ll find us in Cocoa, FL, where we serve all those coming from Palm Shore and East Orlando.