Be Safe Out There with Common-Sense ATV Safety Precautions
It’s well known that those who speed quads through the woods or fly down dirt paths do it for adventure and excitement.
Unfortunately, this thrill also comes with the threat of injury from overturning, colliding, or being ejected from their ATVs. Injuries that can range from fractures, contusions, abrasions, and lacerations to head injuries and even death.
To reduce the risk of ATV-related injuries and deaths, riders should follow safety guidelines, which includes wearing appropriate protective gear, receiving proper training in ATV operation, and adhering to age restrictions and guidelines.
By following some standard etiquette and safety precautions, riders can still be fearless and enjoy a rip-roaring excursion with the peace of mind that mishaps will probably not send them to the ER.
Trail and Riding Etiquette
Riding ATVs can be an enjoyable outdoor activity, but it's important to know trail etiquette to ensure the safety of others and wellbeing of natural surroundings.
Here are some basic etiquette tips we recommend while out adventuring on ATVs:
- Respect private property and get permission before riding on private property.
- Stay on designated trails, as riding off-trail can damage the environment, disturb wildlife, and may be illegal in certain areas.
- Follow speed limits to avoid excessive speed increases, accidents, and disruptions to others enjoying the outdoors.
- Yield to others and slow down or stop for pedestrians, equestrians, cyclists, and other trail users.
- Be courteous by communicating with hand signals or a horn when necessary.
- Respect wildlife, keep a safe distance from animals, and avoid disturbing their habitats.
- Leave No Trace by packing out all trash and leaving the area as you found it.
- Know the rules and regulations and familiarize yourself with local ATV laws.
By following these etiquette rules, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable ATV riding experience for yourself and others while respecting the environment and property rights.
Rules of the Road (or Trail)
ATV riders have developed into the thrill-seeking community it is today by creating a lifestyle of wild abandonment combined with social elements and an exciting way to escape into nature, but that doesn’t mean safety needs to be thrown over the handlebars.
To make sure you stay in one piece, the ATV Safety Institute offers these eight “golden rules” for riders:
- Always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
- Never ride on paved roads except to cross when permitted by law.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV designed for two people.
- Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
- Supervise riders younger than 16.
- Ride only on designated trails at a safe speed.
- Take a hands-on safety course .
These rules may seem like common sense, but sometimes the elation that comes with the roar of a quad maneuvering across terrain can make being reckless even more attractive. Preparation, practice, and consideration of rules and etiquette can save ATV enthusiasts from taking risks that would keep them off their quads, which would really be no fun.
Why Following ATV Safety Rules is Important
Besides the risk of damage to ATVs, potential time off the trail, and being deemed an irresponsible community member, ignoring safety suggestions can lead to even more ominous results.
Unfortunately, hospitalization and even life-ending injuries from unsafe riding are a growing concern in the United States.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s latest report (2021) shows an annual average of more than 700 deaths and an estimated 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries involving ATVs.
Further, states that are popular destinations for their ATV trails accounted for 931 deaths, or more than 42 percent of OHV deaths from 2016 through 2018: Texas, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, California, Florida, North Carolina, New York, Alabama, and Michigan.
Another disproportionately affected group of ATV-related injuries and deaths are children and underage riders, so following age-appropriate ATV operation guidelines and safety measures is especially important.
Risk-taking is fun, we get it. But be smart. We want you back out there.
POWER UP with VITO’S PERFORMANCE
Since 1998, Vito’s Performance has been supplying the world with top-quality and hard-to-find ATV parts for builders and enthusiasts alike. We specialize in the Yamaha Banshee and the Yamaha Blaster, and carry parts for all Yamaha Raptors, the Yamaha Warrior, Honda 300ex and 400ex, and the Honda TRX450r. For assistance with all performance products, contact Vito’s Performance online or call (248) 969-9168.