| It doesn't matter if you have been riding for years, | | | | you on rides. Now I know that your phone might not |
| or you are a proud owner of a brand new 4 wheeler, | | | | always work off roading, although it is probably |
| common sense and attention to safety procedures | | | | smarter to have it with you than not. Even having a |
| should always be in the front of your mind. Many | | | | phone for directions in case you get lost could help |
| accidents happen every year because of people | | | | tremendously. |
| taking for granted their capabilities on the ATV trails. | | | | If it is possible keep maps with you of the areas that |
| The most common rule that is broken is you should | | | | you will be riding in. It is even a good idea to have |
| always wear a helmet when riding, in fact in many | | | | two with separate people carrying them. It could |
| places it is the law to wear a helmet. I know there is | | | | really come in handy when exploring new trails. Having |
| probably no one around for miles and miles, but keep | | | | a map of the area you will be riding in would sure be |
| in mind you are not wearing a helmet for other | | | | a lot better than shivering on a trail not knowing |
| people, you are wearing it for yourself. We never | | | | where you are and wondering how your going to get |
| know what might happen and it is best to err on the | | | | back. |
| side of caution than to become a statistic. Always | | | | Make sure that you get the weather forecast before |
| wear your helmet. This can't be stressed enough. | | | | going out on a ride. ATV's are built for sloppy |
| Second rule that is most often broken is drinking and | | | | conditions, although it is helpful to know what type |
| driving. Yeah I know it is fun to hang out with your | | | | of elements you might encounter on your ride. By |
| buddies and ride some trails while downing some | | | | knowing the weather forecast you can dress |
| brewskis. Although drinking and driving is just not | | | | appropriately or bring along gear that you might need |
| smart no matter what type of vehicle your driving or | | | | if conditions become bad. |
| where your driving at. One beer has the ability to | | | | Last but not least make sure you and the people |
| slow your responses, and one wrong turn on a ATV | | | | you will be with are healthy enough for the ride and |
| trail could be your last. Save the beers till after you | | | | trails you will be on. Having someone with you that is |
| finish riding once your safe back home, celebrating | | | | feeling ill or sporting a physical injury is probably not |
| the successful and fun days riding. | | | | the best person to have riding with you. Riding can |
| Third rule to be broken is going out riding by yourself. | | | | be postponed to another day when you are feeling |
| When riding ATV trails it is always best to go with a | | | | better. A person that is feeling bad will probably end |
| friend. I can't count how many times friends of mine | | | | up not enjoying themselves anyways, why take the |
| have headed out into the mountains by themselves. | | | | chance. |
| This is just not a good idea in my book. A simple fall | | | | By following these tips you can almost be positive |
| off of your 4 wheeler in an environment that is harsh | | | | that your ride will end up a good one and most |
| at night could turn into a life threatening situation. | | | | important of all a safe one. |
| It is a good idea to always carry a cell phone with | | | | |