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ATV safety tips

So, you’ve bought yourself an ATV!Sport quads are popular, although I
Is it a new one, or a used one?confess I haven’t been too interested
I pose this question because I wouldin racing, but then again I guess I’m
like to make an obvious suggestion as tojust too old to be interested; and I
your next purchase.don’t know of anyone in this area that
If your helmet is used, has been sittingraces. However, that doesn’t mean
around for a while, or dropped, it maythere isn’t anybody racing them in
be time to replace it with a new one.this area. Because both of our local
Even if your helmet is in gooddealers carry protective gear, somebody
condition, an upgrade to a newer modelmust be racing.
might be in order. One might also try toSafety gear, or protective gear is a
match their helmet to the body color ofgiven on the racing circuit. However,
the ATV they’re riding.there is nothing that says you can’t
Time and those loose helmets bouncingwear it on a trail ride. I think it
around in the back of the truck or trunkwould fit in nicely. With protective
of a vehicle could decrease their impactgear you have chest protectors that
effectiveness.usually include arm protection, but can
Helmets come in several styles and sizesbe purchased separately if the protector
to fit just about anyone. As to price,you’re considering doesn’t have arm
which is up to the purchaser, askprotectors. Leg protectors are also
yourself how much your life is worth.available. Protective gear is available
A significant purchase has already beento cover the whole torso. There also are
made, so please concern yourself withtether cords, kidney belts, and
the biggest piece of safety equipmentMoto-Cross/Off-Road boots for a
you can buy--the helmet. Don’t cutrider’s protection.
corners on it. Your life may depend onMost of the Motocross/Off-Road boots are
it.designed for performance and comfort.
Snell- or DOT-approved helmets are manyMost are made from leathers with durable
and varied, but I think I wouldrubber and plastics. Some also feature
gravitate toward the Snell-approvedan internal steel shank, special
helmet because of the extensive testinginternal padding to absorb shock, and
this organization does.all have some sort of locking/quick
I’m told by at least one area dealerrelease buckle system and steel toe
that helmet looks is the main sellingplate.
point, and I would say that is certainlyIf you don’t race, you can opt for
true. I know that I would prefer ahunting boots or motorcycle boots. The
camouflage ATV if possible, and aimportant thing to remember is that they
matching helmet would be what I wouldshould be “over the ankle” boots.
choose. After all, when you areBeing a complete beginner to the racing
traveling through the woods, you don’tsegment of the ATV world, and trying to
want to look like “Aladdin’slearn about protective gear, I came
Lantern.”across a term for the chest protector
Most of my articles having to do withthat is called “roost protection.” I
ATVs will stress the safety equipmentalways thought that was something you
that should be utilized by ATVwould use to help keep the fox out of
enthusiasts, but it seems, in this areathe hen house.
of Kentucky anyway, safety equipment isMost protective gear is injection molded
not utilized as it should be.and comes in many styles and sizes to
I have read a number of news accountsfit just about any rider. These items
that have to do with ATV accidents andare adjustable allowing for a
fatalities. Many of the fatalities couldcomfortable, but snug fit.
have been prevented if the person hadAnother essential part of a rider’s
been wearing a helmet. Not all, ofgear is a good pair of goggles.
course, but many persons suffered severeI didn’t think there was anything
head trauma because of the lack of abetter in a set of goggles than Scott's,
helmet.but I have perused some web sites for
The ATV Safety Institute advocates agoggles, and have found that there are
helmet, long sleeve shirt or jacket,many styles and qualities of goggles.
long pants, gloves, eye protection, andThere are goggles manufactured for folks
over-the-ankle boots. If all ATV riderswho wear glasses. If you wear glasses,
wore this basic equipment, then we wouldask your dealer to steer you toward
not hear so many horror stories aboutgoggles designed for this purpose.
ATV fatalities.There was a pair of camouflage gloves at
According to the ATV Safety Institute,one of the dealerships in this area. I
Arctic Cat, Can-Am (BRP), Honda, Johnwill own them soon. Camouflage is
Deere, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Tomberlin, andimportant to me, although they really
Yamaha offer a free rider course foraren’t necessary. I just like
first-time ATV buyers, and the course iscamouflage, and as an old saying goes,
available for a nominal fee to anyone“that’s the reason they make more
else interested in taking the course.than one color of paint.”
Other guidelines from the ATV SafetySo, if you are riding your quad on trail
Institute promote age limits for ATVrides wear the ATV Safety Institute’s
size.basic recommended equipment, or
Ages 6 and older should ride ATVs underprotective gear. If you are racing on MX
70cc, ages 12 and older 70cc-90cc, andtracks, or if cross-country is your
age 16 and older over 90cc.thing, wear the best protective gear you
I myself have taken the Rider Course.can find. Wear protective gear to
The course is fun and very informativeprotect yourself while riding, whether
as to how to handle an ATV in most riderit is on the trails, at the MX races or
situations. If you haven’t taken thecross-country.
course, don’t assume that you know allJust be safe out there. ATVs are fun,
there is to know about handling yourbut as we all know, if mishandled they
ATV. Shifting body weight, and knowingcan be dangerous. With a little basic
when to shift your weight, is extremelytraining, ATVs can be very safe.
important.See you on a trail ride sometime. I’ll
Never ride double on an ATV that isbe the one dragging up the rear.
designed for just one rider, and alwaysIt is always the owner’s choice as to
ride ATVs that are suited for a person'swhat they will wear while riding ATVs.
age group.Please make that choice a good one.



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