Safety
Your helmet is the most important piece of protective gear for safe riding and can prevent a serious head injury. Goggles or a face shield will help protect your eyes from dust and small objects and help with visibility. A long sleeved shirt or jersey and long pants are minimal requirements for rider protection. Off road riding gear, such as pants with knee pads and a jersey with shoulder pads, provide better protection. Good gloves will help protect your hands from the cold, or the event of a spill. The most protective footwear is a pair of over-the-calf boots with heels to prevent your feet from slipping off the footrests. Take an ATV operator training course to learn how to properly handle and maintain the machine for optimum safety Driver error and loss of control commonly cause ATV crashes. Plan your route, drive at a reasonable speed for the terrain, and pay attention. Avoid tight turns and, when driving downhill, drive straight down rather than at an angle. Climb hills in low gear to avoid the chance of a back flip. Do not turn suddenly, pop the clutch or rev the throttle, as the ATV will pivot on the back axle and flip over, crushing the rider. Never ride on public roads - another vehicle could hit you. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle. Ride an ATV that's right for your age. Supervise riders younger than 16 ATVs are not toys. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed. Never ride alone if possible, if you have to ride alone tell someone your planned route in the event you don't arrive at your destination.
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