Riding an ATV isn’t dangerous if you wear the proper safety equipment and use caution when exploring off-road areas. But many drivers don’t take these precautions, which exposes them to unnecessary risks. Every year, there are some 135,000 individuals injured in ATV accidents in the U.S., and 300 to 400 of these accidents are fatal. The truth is that you should be able to enjoy your ATV without worrying about injuring yourself in the process. Use these safety tips to easily make it to and from your destination.
How to Stay Safe While Riding an ATV
1. Wear a Helmet
The best thing you can do to stay safe while riding an ATV is to wear a full-face or half-face helmet to protect your head from injury. ATVs can easily flip over when you’re driving too fast or taking a turn too quickly. There tend to be a lot of vibrations that can make it hard to stay in control of the vehicle. The helmet will protect your head if anything should happen on the trail. Wear goggles if you use a half-helmet to keep the debris out of your eyes. The helmet will protect your head should the vehicle tip or flip over.
Use Helmet Communication to Stay Safe on the Trail
2. Wear the Proper Attire
Short sleeves and cut-offs have no place on the trail. You should cover as much of your skin as possible when cruising through the wilderness. That means wearing long sleeves, pants, high socks and gloves. Bring sunscreen and bug spray in case the wilderness fights back. You can also wear pads to shield your arms, legs and joints from impact.
Source: MGKovalenko/Shutterstock.com
You should be able to communicate with your companions at all times when riding an ATV. Talking over the sound of your engine may not be an option, and taking your hands off the wheel to send a hand signal can be a recipe for disaster when the road gets rough. Wear a helmet communication device with your full-face or half-face helmet to stay in contact with your group. It fits seamlessly onto your helmet for hands-free communication. Just speak into the headset to connect to your group automatically when you’re in range. You can safely coordinate with one another as you explore unfamiliar territory.
3. Drive with Care
Many states don’t require you to have a valid driver’s license to operate an ATV, but that doesn’t mean anyone should hop behind the wheel. Anyone operating this equipment should be fully trained on how to use the vehicle. They should be at least 16 years of age with experience braking, accelerating and turning. If you’re new to the sport, take a beginner’s course with a trained professional and practice riding in wide open spaces to get your bearings before you head into the wilderness.
Use good judgment when exploring the natural world. Use your off-road communication device to wirelessly connect to your phone or GPS while riding. Just speak into the device to call for help in an emergency without physically interacting with the device. Sign up for the latest weather alerts to ensure you always have the latest forecast. Check the map often during your trip to monitor your location. Avoid traveling too far in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Slow down and avoid driving through the messiest parts of the trail to avoid getting stuck.
Be Prepared for Outdoor Adventures with an Off-Road Communication System
4. Maintain Your ATV
ATVs endure their fair share of wear and tear. All that mud, excess water and dirt can damage the underlying components of the vehicle. Taking off on an adventure with faulty equipment is never a good idea. Have your ATV inspected by a professional at least once a year to keep on riding. Make repairs and refill the oil regularly to avoid getting stuck in the middle of the forest. Watch out for any strange sounds or driving issues that could lead to major headaches down the line.
Source: Drepicter/Shuttertstock.com
Driving an ATV comes with some risk, but you will be safe if you wear the right equipment and avoid driving in dangerous conditions. Keep these tips in mind to enjoy your time in the wild without worrying about risking your health and safety.
