Jake PopistRiding your ATV is an experience to look forward to, without a doubt, but it also needs to be safe. Both you as the rider and the vehicle itself need to be kept safe from harm. In this article, we will highlight some tips you might want to consider before climbing on your four-wheeler.
Protective gear
Multiple recommendations coming from both other ATV riders and the local legislation will convince you that you always have to wear your helmet. Why is that? First off, any type of vehicle used for motorsports, whether it’s a motorcycle or an ATV, calls for the use of a helmet that has been certified by the US Department of Transportation (also known as DOT).
Because some helmets might not cover your whole face, you might also require a pair of decent goggles. Don’t forget about these because the wooded areas are filled with rocks, bugs, dirt, as well as branches, and all of these can affect your eyes.
Gloves can help you get a better grip on the handles of your four-wheeler, but they can also make a difference when it comes to protecting you against muscle cramps, calluses, as well as thumb fatigue. The best models we’ve come across usually feature palm padding.
Always wear boots. While it might be tempting for you to hop on your four-wheeler with your sneakers on, the fact of the matter is that over-the-ankle boots are the best when it comes to protecting both your feet and your ankles. After all, it’s very likely that you are going to take your rides through muddy terrain.
Things you have to inspect before riding
There are 3 things you need to look at before getting on to the ATV trail. Even if you drive a regular car, you still need to look at the lights and mirrors, before you go on the road, right? In the case of a four-wheeler, the parts you need to inspect are the handlebars, the tires, and the fuel, as well as other fluids.
ATV safety courses are best
If you have zero experience when it comes to riding a four-wheeler, it might be a better idea for you to enroll in such a course before having to struggle with managing any type of off-road situation.
The ATV Safety Institute organizes the ATV Rider Course, during which you will find out as much as you possibly can about the right gear, the local rules, and regulations, as well as the number of riding sites that you might have available in your area. The hands-on training provided by the institute cannot compare to any advice you might be able to get from browsing the Internet or talking to your other ATV riding friends.
Stick to the correct number of people
Every ATV has a certain carrying capacity of one, two, or even three people. Some have bigger capacities, especially those that are commonly utilized for hunting as they need to be able to transport both the driver, all the gear, and the prey. Whatever you do, do not exceed the number recommended for the type of vehicle you own because it might become dangerous.
Jake Popist
