ATV safety tips

So, you’ve bought yourself an ATV!haven’t been too interested in racing, but
Is it a new one, or a used one?then again I guess I’m just too old to be
I pose this question because I would like to make aninterested; and I don’t know of anyone in
obvious suggestion as to your next purchase.this area that races. However, that
If your helmet is used, has been sitting around for adoesn’t mean there isn’t
while, or dropped, it may be time to replace it with aanybody racing them in this area. Because both of
new one. Even if your helmet is in good condition, anour local dealers carry protective gear, somebody
upgrade to a newer model might be in order. Onemust be racing.
might also try to match their helmet to the bodySafety gear, or protective gear is a given on the
color of the ATV they’re riding.racing circuit. However, there is nothing that says you
Time and those loose helmets bouncing around in thecan’t wear it on a trail ride. I think it would
back of the truck or trunk of a vehicle couldfit in nicely. With protective gear you have chest
decrease their impact effectiveness.protectors that usually include arm protection, but
Helmets come in several styles and sizes to fit justcan be purchased separately if the protector
about anyone. As to price, which is up to theyou’re considering doesn’t have
purchaser, ask yourself how much your life is worth.arm protectors. Leg protectors are also available.
A significant purchase has already been made, soProtective gear is available to cover the whole torso.
please concern yourself with the biggest piece ofThere also are tether cords, kidney belts, and
safety equipment you can buy--the helmet.Moto-Cross/Off-Road boots for a rider’s
Don’t cut corners on it. Your life mayprotection.
depend on it.Most of the Motocross/Off-Road boots are designed
Snell- or DOT-approved helmets are many andfor performance and comfort. Most are made from
varied, but I think I would gravitate toward theleathers with durable rubber and plastics. Some also
Snell-approved helmet because of the extensivefeature an internal steel shank, special internal padding
testing this organization does.to absorb shock, and all have some sort of locking
I’m told by at least one area dealer thatquick release buckle system and steel toe plate.
helmet looks is the main selling point, and I would sayIf you don’t race, you can opt for hunting
that is certainly true. I know that I would prefer aboots or motorcycle boots. The important thing to
camouflage ATV if possible, and a matching helmetremember is that they should be “over the
would be what I would choose. After all, when youankle” boots.
are traveling through the woods, youBeing a complete beginner to the racing segment of
don’t want to look likethe ATV world, and trying to learn about protective
“Aladdin’s Lantern.”gear, I came across a term for the chest protector
Most of my articles having to do with ATVs willthat is called “roost protection.” I
stress the safety equipment that should be utilizedalways thought that was something you would use
by ATV enthusiasts, but it seems, in this area ofto help keep the fox out of the hen house.
Kentucky anyway, safety equipment is not utilized asMost protective gear is injection molded and comes
it should be.in many styles and sizes to fit just about any rider.
I have read a number of news accounts that haveThese items are adjustable allowing for a
to do with ATV accidents and fatalities. Many of thecomfortable, but snug fit.
fatalities could have been prevented if the personAnother essential part of a rider’s gear is
had been wearing a helmet. Not all, of course, buta good pair of goggles.
many persons suffered severe head trauma becauseI didn’t think there was anything better in
of the lack of a helmet.a set of goggles than Scott's, but I have perused
The ATV Safety Institute advocates a helmet, longsome web sites for goggles, and have found that
sleeve shirt or jacket, long pants, gloves, eyethere are many styles and qualities of goggles. There
protection, and over-the-ankle boots. If all ATV ridersare goggles manufactured for folks who wear
wore this basic equipment, then we would not hearglasses. If you wear glasses, ask your dealer to steer
so many horror stories about ATV fatalities.you toward goggles designed for this purpose.
According to the ATV Safety Institute, Arctic Cat,There was a pair of camouflage gloves at one of the
Can-Am (BRP), Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Suzuki,dealerships in this area. I will own them soon.
Tomberlin, and Yamaha offer a free rider course forCamouflage is important to me, although they really
first-time ATV buyers, and the course is available foraren’t necessary. I just like camouflage,
a nominal fee to anyone else interested in taking theand as an old saying goes,
course.“that’s the reason they make
Other guidelines from the ATV Safety Institutemore than one color of paint.”
promote age limits for ATV size.So, if you are riding your quad on trail rides wear the
Ages 6 and older should ride ATVs under 70cc, agesATV Safety Institute’s basic
12 and older 70cc-90cc, and age 16 and older overrecommended equipment, or protective gear. If you
90cc.are racing on MX tracks, or if cross-country is your
I myself have taken the Rider Course. The course isthing, wear the best protective gear you can find.
fun and very informative as to how to handle anWear protective gear to protect yourself while riding,
ATV in most rider situations. If youwhether it is on the trails, at the MX races or
haven’t taken the course, don’tcross-country.
assume that you know all there is to know aboutJust be safe out there. ATVs are fun, but as we all
handling your ATV. Shifting body weight, andknow, if mishandled they can be dangerous. With a
knowing when to shift your weight, is extremelylittle basic training, ATVs can be very safe.
important.See you on a trail ride sometime. I’ll be
Never ride double on an ATV that is designed forthe one dragging up the rear.
just one rider, and always ride ATVs that are suitedIt is always the owner’s choice as to
for a person's age group.what they will wear while riding ATVs.
Sport quads are popular, although I confess IPlease make that choice a good one.