| 1. Plan Ahead | | | | It's easy to get a bit carried away when you're |
| Before leaving the house, check the weather | | | | having a great time riding off-road. However, the |
| forecast and make sure you're prepared for what's | | | | faster you go, the less likely you are to notice holes, |
| to come. Getting caught in the rain on an ATV | | | | branches and other hazards in the road. Keep a safe |
| without warning can make riding unsafe, and riding | | | | pace when you're in an unfamiliar area to assure your |
| without proper attire could get you sick. | | | | safety. It's also imperative to keep a safe distance |
| 2. Check the Rules | | | | between other ATV riders to avoid collision. |
| Check rules and guidelines for the trail or area that | | | | 7. Know your Vehicle |
| you will be riding in. Signs may indicate certain wildlife | | | | Never ride an unfamiliar ATV or let another rider or |
| precautions or river rapid warnings that may pertain | | | | child ride one without proper training. As fun as ATVs |
| to you and are designed for your safety. Following | | | | are, they can be dangerous too. Be a friend and |
| the rules may not always be fun, but safety is key | | | | watch out for other riders to make sure they know |
| when riding your ATV. | | | | what they're doing. It's always fun to impress your |
| 3. Gear-Up | | | | friends with tricks, but if you're not sure you can pull |
| Wear the proper safety gear when riding your ATV. | | | | it off, just don't risk it. |
| Goggles, gloves, a helmet, and protective clothing | | | | 8. Know the Area |
| should all be warn. Additional gear such as elbow and | | | | Since riding ATVs is often an off-road activity, there |
| knee pads, or over the ankle boots are also smart to | | | | are all kinds of natural hazards. Knowing the area |
| bring along. Not only does this protect you, but allows | | | | you're riding helps a lot, but even so it's best to do a |
| you to have a fun time with less risk! Also don't | | | | slow ride-through before taking off, to make sure |
| forget to pack a snack, to keep your blood sugar up. | | | | there are no big hazards. If you do go to an |
| 4. Bring a Friend | | | | unfamiliar area, bring a map, compass, and a friend. |
| Never go riding alone on your ATV, because you | | | | 9. Avoid Paved Roads |
| never know what could happen. If your ATV rolls | | | | ATVs were made or meant to be ridden on paved |
| and you get injured, having a friend to go get help | | | | roads. They are specially designed and equipped for |
| can be useful. If you must ride alone, bring a cell | | | | off-road riding, and even the most trained rider will |
| phone and stay in areas with service so you're never | | | | have trouble riding them anywhere else. Use a trailer |
| really alone. | | | | or truck to transport your ATV to your riding |
| 5. Follow Precautions | | | | destination, never ride it there yourself. |
| Always follow the guidelines and cautions for your | | | | 10. Stay Sober |
| particular ATV. For example, if your ATV is a | | | | A lot of ATV accidents that happen are due to |
| one-passenger, never ever have more than one | | | | intoxicated drivers fooling around and having a good |
| passenger riding! Also make sure you check weight | | | | time. While many look at ATVs differently than a |
| restrictions and follow them diligently. These vehicles | | | | regular motor vehicle, they can still be very |
| have been tried and tested for your safety, and | | | | dangerous and even fatal when ridden improperly. |
| precautions are in place for a reason. | | | | You should never, ever ride an ATV under the |
| 6. Slow Down | | | | influence of any mind or body altering substance. |