ATV SAFETY TIPS
If you have a need for speed, few things are quite as satisfying as riding an ATV. They’re fast, exciting, and fun to ride. But it’s important to know that ATV riding can be hazardous, especially if you don’t take safety seriously. From having the right equipment, to preparing for the weather, and to knowing the correct riding techniques, safety is incredibly important.
Read on to learn our best tips for ATV safety and stop by Campers RV Center if you’re looking for your next ATV. We proudly carry Can-Am ATVs at our location in Shreveport, Louisiana, and we serve the areas of Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe, Louisiana.
Safety Equipment
The safety equipment you choose will make a major difference in deciding whether you get in an accident, and if you do get in one, what the outcome is. Some equipment is designed primarily to keep you comfortable and protected while you ride. This group of equipment includes things like gloves, boots, and eyewear. It’s worth investing in this gear, especially goggles or other eyewear suited for riding ATVs. Try to find a model with an anti-fogging coating.
Some gear is most helpful if you actually get in an accident. The two main pieces of gear for protecting you in a crash are a helmet and a chest protector. Chest protectors are especially common in sport ATV riding and any other circumstance where speed and hard cornering are par for the course. A chest protector will protect your sternum, ribs, and internal organs. The most important piece of gear you’ll ever buy is your helmet. Make sure to get a model that fits your head correctly. It should also come approved by a trusted crash test rating organization.
Riding Preparation
Before you leave, it’s important to take a few steps to prepare for your trip. Always check the weather, especially if you’re using your ATV to travel a long distance. You don’t want to get stuck out in the wilderness in the middle of a blizzard or torrential downpour. Make sure to match your riding clothes to the needs of the weather and bring rain gear if there’s even a slight chance of showers.
It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the terrain on which you’ll be riding before you arrive. If you can find terrain maps of the area, familiarize yourself with the main features, including bodies of water, mountains, and prominent ridges. Finally, make sure you tell someone at home where you’re planning on riding. If you don’t make it back by the time you expect, they can alert rescuers to where you were planning on riding.
ATV Maintenance
A well-maintained ATV is a safe ATV, so make sure to keep yours in good shape. Make sure the tires are properly inflated and free of any obvious damage. You’ll want to replace your engine fluids on a regular schedule, and check them regularly to make sure there are no leaks or other problems. Test out your brakes at lower speeds before you need to depend on them, and replace the pads if you feel significant grinding, vibration, or a loss of brake pressure.
Respect Your Limits
Every rider has a line that they need to respect. Even the most skilled professional riders know that they can’t take corners at a certain speed, or hit jumps of a certain size. If you’re new to riding, you’ll need to take time to build your skills. Once you try a maneuver that surpasses your skills and ability, you’ll be in big trouble.
Hopefully, this short guide introduced you to a few good tips for keeping safe on your ATV. We here at Campers RV Center love ATV riding, which is why we carry Can-Am ATVs. Stop by our location in Shreveport, Louisiana, if you live in the areas of Bossier City, Ruston, or Monroe, Louisiana, as well as Marshall, Longview, or Tyler, Texas.