| 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 would | | | | in racing, but then again I guess I’m |
| like to make an obvious suggestion as to | | | | just 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 sitting | | | | races. However, that doesn’t mean |
| around for a while, or dropped, it may | | | | there 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 good | | | | dealers carry protective gear, somebody |
| condition, an upgrade to a newer model | | | | must be racing. |
| might be in order. One might also try to | | | | Safety gear, or protective gear is a |
| match their helmet to the body color of | | | | given on the racing circuit. However, |
| the ATV they’re riding. | | | | there is nothing that says you can’t |
| Time and those loose helmets bouncing | | | | wear it on a trail ride. I think it |
| around in the back of the truck or trunk | | | | would fit in nicely. With protective |
| of a vehicle could decrease their impact | | | | gear you have chest protectors that |
| effectiveness. | | | | usually include arm protection, but can |
| Helmets come in several styles and sizes | | | | be 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, ask | | | | protectors. Leg protectors are also |
| yourself how much your life is worth. | | | | available. Protective gear is available |
| A significant purchase has already been | | | | to cover the whole torso. There also are |
| made, so please concern yourself with | | | | tether cords, kidney belts, and |
| the biggest piece of safety equipment | | | | Moto-Cross/Off-Road boots for a |
| you can buy--the helmet. Don’t cut | | | | rider’s protection. |
| corners on it. Your life may depend on | | | | Most of the Motocross/Off-Road boots are |
| it. | | | | designed for performance and comfort. |
| Snell- or DOT-approved helmets are many | | | | Most are made from leathers with durable |
| and varied, but I think I would | | | | rubber and plastics. Some also feature |
| gravitate toward the Snell-approved | | | | an internal steel shank, special |
| helmet because of the extensive testing | | | | internal padding to absorb shock, and |
| this organization does. | | | | all have some sort of locking/quick |
| I’m told by at least one area dealer | | | | release buckle system and steel toe |
| that helmet looks is the main selling | | | | plate. |
| point, and I would say that is certainly | | | | If you don’t race, you can opt for |
| true. I know that I would prefer a | | | | hunting boots or motorcycle boots. The |
| camouflage ATV if possible, and a | | | | important thing to remember is that they |
| matching helmet would be what I would | | | | should be “over the ankle” boots. |
| choose. After all, when you are | | | | Being a complete beginner to the racing |
| traveling through the woods, you don’t | | | | segment of the ATV world, and trying to |
| want to look like “Aladdin’s | | | | learn about protective gear, I came |
| Lantern.” | | | | across a term for the chest protector |
| Most of my articles having to do with | | | | that is called “roost protection.” I |
| ATVs will stress the safety equipment | | | | always thought that was something you |
| that should be utilized by ATV | | | | would use to help keep the fox out of |
| enthusiasts, but it seems, in this area | | | | the hen house. |
| of Kentucky anyway, safety equipment is | | | | Most 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 accounts | | | | fit just about any rider. These items |
| that have to do with ATV accidents and | | | | are adjustable allowing for a |
| fatalities. Many of the fatalities could | | | | comfortable, but snug fit. |
| have been prevented if the person had | | | | Another essential part of a rider’s |
| been wearing a helmet. Not all, of | | | | gear is a good pair of goggles. |
| course, but many persons suffered severe | | | | I didn’t think there was anything |
| head trauma because of the lack of a | | | | better in a set of goggles than Scott's, |
| helmet. | | | | but I have perused some web sites for |
| The ATV Safety Institute advocates a | | | | goggles, and have found that there are |
| helmet, long sleeve shirt or jacket, | | | | many styles and qualities of goggles. |
| long pants, gloves, eye protection, and | | | | There are goggles manufactured for folks |
| over-the-ankle boots. If all ATV riders | | | | who wear glasses. If you wear glasses, |
| wore this basic equipment, then we would | | | | ask your dealer to steer you toward |
| not hear so many horror stories about | | | | goggles 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, John | | | | will own them soon. Camouflage is |
| Deere, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Tomberlin, and | | | | important to me, although they really |
| Yamaha offer a free rider course for | | | | aren’t necessary. I just like |
| first-time ATV buyers, and the course is | | | | camouflage, 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 Safety | | | | So, if you are riding your quad on trail |
| Institute promote age limits for ATV | | | | rides wear the ATV Safety Institute’s |
| size. | | | | basic recommended equipment, or |
| Ages 6 and older should ride ATVs under | | | | protective gear. If you are racing on MX |
| 70cc, ages 12 and older 70cc-90cc, and | | | | tracks, 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 informative | | | | protect yourself while riding, whether |
| as to how to handle an ATV in most rider | | | | it is on the trails, at the MX races or |
| situations. If you haven’t taken the | | | | cross-country. |
| course, don’t assume that you know all | | | | Just be safe out there. ATVs are fun, |
| there is to know about handling your | | | | but as we all know, if mishandled they |
| ATV. Shifting body weight, and knowing | | | | can be dangerous. With a little basic |
| when to shift your weight, is extremely | | | | training, ATVs can be very safe. |
| important. | | | | See you on a trail ride sometime. I’ll |
| Never ride double on an ATV that is | | | | be the one dragging up the rear. |
| designed for just one rider, and always | | | | It is always the owner’s choice as to |
| ride ATVs that are suited for a person's | | | | what they will wear while riding ATVs. |
| age group. | | | | Please make that choice a good one. |