11 ATV Safety Tips

 

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are extremely popular in North Carolina for the fun and excitement they provide.  They are, however, not toys and should be respected and treated as the powerful machines they are, with some of them weighing upwards of half a ton and able to reach speeds of more than 60 miles per hour.

These vehicles are responsible for thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries each year in the United States.  Many of these deaths and injuries may have been preventable, had the riders observed appropriate safety rules and riding tips for operating ATVs.  We'll present some of those tips here.

ATV Safety Tips

1. Before riding your ATV, take the time to learn how.  Training can be obtained for little or no cost in most areas.  Hands-on training is available from the ATV Safety Institute, who also offer a free ATV E-Course.  You may also find training through a local ATV riding group.
2. Always wear proper ATV riding gear, including a certified DOT-approved helmet that fits properly, safety glasses or goggles, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long pants and boots that cover up over your ankles.
3. Ride on designated trails at safe speeds and on pavement only to go across roads.  ATVs aren't designed to operate well on pavement.
4. Don't mix ATV riding with alcohol or controlled substances.
5. No child under the age of 16 years should be allowed to drive an adult ATV.  Smaller, less powerful ATV's are designed for youngsters, but kids riding these vehicles should be supervised to help ensure their safety.  Children under six years of age should not be on an ATV, either as a driver or a passenger.
6. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends ATVs with engine sizes of less than 70cc for kids from six to eleven years of age.  Engine sizes between 70cc and 90cc are recommended for kids between 12 and 15 years old.
7. Avoid riding your ATV at night or when visibility is poor.
8. Three-wheeled ATV's have been deemed unsafe and should not be ridden.
9. Most ATVs are designed for only an operator and not a passenger.  Room for the rider to redistribute his weight is necessary to handle the irregularities of some terrain.  
10. Maintain your ATV to keep it running smoothly.
11. Make sure you and your ATV are properly insured against liability and personal injuries.  For an expensive ATV, consider comprehensive coverage.