| Some states require ATV riders to complete off | | | | environment. Respect for the land is a major factor |
| road safety training before they ride. Others do not | | | | in protecting the right to ride. Sticking to the trail and |
| require any ATV training. Whether or not your state | | | | riding only on land designated for ATV use helps to |
| requires it, off road training is a wise move for any | | | | preserve wilderness areas for off roaders and |
| ATV rider just starting out in the sport. ATVs handle | | | | everyone else to enjoy for years to come. |
| differently from other vehicles you may be familiar | | | | Enrolling in an ATV safety course in your local area |
| with, such as motorcycles or cars. | | | | means that your training will include instruction about |
| If you know how to properly handle your ATV, you | | | | local laws for ATV use. You'll also get to meet other |
| will be less likely to get into dangerous situations that | | | | local ATV riders, learn about the trails in your area |
| can result in injury or death. As your off road riding | | | | and the best spots to ride, and find out about local |
| skills improve, so will your confidence. You will be | | | | ATV clubs. |
| ready for new challenges that put your off road skills | | | | Both adults and younger riders can benefit from off |
| to the test. | | | | road training. ATV youth safety is a growing concern |
| Most ATV training courses cover basic riding | | | | across the country. The best way to reduce the |
| techniques such as using signals and controls, starting, | | | | number of ATV injuries and fatalities in youth and |
| shifting, braking, and turning. They also cover basic | | | | adults is education. Safety awareness in young ATV |
| and advanced off road handling for emergency stops | | | | riders increases their skill and confidence. Learning to |
| and swerving, hill riding, and riding over obstacles and | | | | ride an ATV allows young riders to develop |
| various terrains. | | | | responsibility and good judgment while having fun and |
| You will learn basic safety rules for ATV use, including | | | | spending time outdoors. |
| pre-ride inspection, protective gear, and courtesy | | | | Contact your local ATV club, state highway |
| rules for sharing the trail with other ATVers and trail | | | | department or DNR office, or the ATV Safety |
| users. Most off road training includes hands-on | | | | Institute for information on ATV safety training in |
| practice for new riders to apply basic safety and | | | | your area. If you purchased a brand new ATV |
| riding techniques on their own ATVs. | | | | recently, your safety training may be included for |
| Your ATV training may also include information on | | | | free. Check with your dealer for more information. |
| how to make as little impact as possible on the | | | | |