| More and more these days, riders of all terrain | | | | vehicle is incredibly dangerous. Also, the ATV may |
| vehicles (ATVs) are becoming injured or even | | | | be unable to successfully hold the combined |
| killed when their ATV wrecks, enforcing the need | | | | weight of two riders, making it less stable and |
| for safe operating procedures. This is especially | | | | more apt to roll over. Finally, having an additional |
| important for teenagers who are interested in | | | | rider can distract the driver from the task of |
| riding ATVs and are less likely to practice safe | | | | properly operating the vehicle. |
| conduct while operating the vehicles. Keep in mind | | | | 5.) Ride ATVs in appropriate settings. |
| that ATVs are just as dangerous as cars, | | | | When it comes to where to ride your ATV, |
| motorcycles, trucks, or sport utility vehicles, so | | | | ensure you choose a proper setting. Avoid roads |
| only operate them using the proper techniques | | | | and streets, since ATVs are not designed nor |
| and procedures. Many riders neglect the fact that | | | | intended to be driven on concrete or asphalt with |
| these vehicles have the capability to extremely | | | | larger cars and trucks. Also, avoid improper terrain |
| injure or kill the drivers, but in the correct hands, | | | | that may encourage the ATV to roll over due to |
| ATVs can be a fun way to spend time in the | | | | instability in the ground. |
| great outdoors. Follow these ten safety tips when | | | | 6.) Do not speed. |
| riding any ATV: | | | | ATVs are designed to go a certain speed safely. |
| 1.) Only drivers over the age of 16 should operate | | | | Increasing the speed-especially through certain |
| an ATV. | | | | terrains-decreases your control and the vehicle's |
| The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly | | | | stability, making you more prone to have an |
| recommends that children under the age of 16 | | | | accident. |
| should not operate an ATV. This is especially | | | | 7.) Do not operate an ATV impaired. |
| important, since younger children are usually | | | | Many adults find themselves tempted to operate |
| injured on ATVs due to their size or inexperience | | | | an ATV while under the influence of drugs or |
| with operating vehicles. Even once a child is 16 and | | | | alcohol. Even over the counter or prescription |
| able to operate an ATV, adult supervision should | | | | medications can impair your reaction time, thinking |
| be present at all times. | | | | process, and judgment, so be sure to avoid |
| 2.) Always wear protective gear. | | | | operating an ATV during this time. Just like |
| Just like operating a motorcycle or bike, riding an | | | | drinking and driving, alcohol and ATV driving does |
| ATV requires you use proper protective gear. | | | | not mix. |
| ALWAYS wear a helmet. Most serious or fatal | | | | 8.) Carry a communication device with you at all |
| accidents occur when the rider is not wearing a | | | | times. |
| helmet and falls on his or her head. Helmets may | | | | ATV operations should be sure to carry a cell |
| not be the most stylish accessory, but they can | | | | phone or walkie talkie with them at all times so |
| literally save your life. Also, since most riders | | | | that they can call for help in the event of an |
| operate ATVs in wooded environments, be sure | | | | emergency. This is especially true if you are riding |
| to wear proper eye protection, as a rock, branch, | | | | alone, which is not encouraged, so that someone |
| or even a bug can fly into your eye and cause | | | | will be able to find you if you become injured. |
| damage. Furthermore, be sure to wear boots and | | | | Whenever you plan to ride your ATV, you should |
| gloves to protect your hands and feet while | | | | either have another individual with you or notify |
| operating the ATV. | | | | someone of where you are going and when you |
| 3.) Take a driver's safety course. | | | | plan to return. |
| Before you drive a car, you take a safety | | | | 9.) Do not attempt tricks or stunts while riding an |
| course, so why should driving an ATV be any | | | | ATV. |
| different? Safety courses educate riders of the | | | | The most injuries on ATVs occur when the |
| correct way to operate and ride an ATV to | | | | vehicles are operated improperly. Take great care |
| ensure he or she knows how to handle the | | | | in riding your ATV and be sure to avoid any |
| vehicle. Also, safety courses will teach riders of all | | | | tricks or stunts that will encourage an accident. |
| ages the appropriate behavior when riding an | | | | Furthermore, avoid improper interaction with |
| ATV, making it critical for teens and adults to | | | | other individuals, whether they are on an ATV or |
| attend. | | | | not. |
| 4.) Only one rider per vehicle. | | | | 10.) Use common sense. |
| ATVs are designed for only one rider at a time. | | | | This final safety tip is by far the best. Your |
| Since you have to manipulate your weight in | | | | common sense can carry you a long way, |
| order to control the vehicle, two riders on a | | | | especially involving your safety. |