Summer Safety: ATV Safety Tips

By Southcentral Foundation Corporate Communications

Ride smart, wear a helmet.

All-terrain vehicles offer fun and adventure, provide transportation, and are great tools for subsistence activities. However, without proper precautions, no matter the distance, riders can be put in danger, resulting in accidents and injuries. With long, sunny days around the corner, it’s important to remember every time you ride, to ride smart, ride safe, and ride sober.

Here are some ways you can ensure the safety of yourself and others on your next ATV ride:

Ride safe

• Always wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet. A helmet should fit snug on your head and not shift when you move your head from side to side or up and down. You should not be able to squeeze a finger between the helmet and your forehead without difficulty. When you wiggle a fastened helmet with your hands, your cheeks should wiggle as well.
• Always wear protective gear such as eye protection, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, over the ankle boots, and gloves.
• When possible, drive without passengers. Most ATVs are made for only one rider.
• Ensure children are driving an ATV that is appropriate for their size and age by following the manufacturer’s minimum age recommendation warning label on the ATV.

Ride smart

• Know your route and let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
• If possible, go on rides with a friend. Two heads and two vehicles are better than one.
• Know your limits and skills. Only operate at speeds at which you can control and approach curves, hills, and unfamiliar areas with caution.

Ride sober

• Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Inspect before you ride

• Inspecting your ATV before riding minimizes the chances of being injured or stranded, ensures an enjoyable ride, and keeps all riders safe.
• Check oil and fuel levels, controls and cables, lights and electronics, tires and wheels, chain/driveshaft, and chassis.

Be prepared for the unexpected

• Carry what you need to handle an emergency or mechanical issue.
• Include spare items such as spark plugs, electrical wire, tow ropes, and flashlights.

Southcentral Foundation ATV Safety Initiative is visiting rural communities this summer to host ATV rodeos that teach safe riding skills in a controlled environment with a licensed ATV safety instructor. Participants practice starting and stopping, turning, negotiating hills, emergency stopping and swerving, and riding over obstacles.

If you are interested in becoming an ATV safety instructor in your community, or to view upcoming SCF Safety Rodeos in your area, visit here.