Safely Riding an ATV
ATVs open up a whole new dimension to the riding experience. Nothing lets you go off roading on rugged trails with more intensity than a four wheeler, but with all that adrenaline also must come an important awareness for ATV safety. Even small mistakes can lead to disastrous consequences, including breakdowns, expensive repairs, or even devastating injuries. Trail riding is nothing to mess around with, so make sure you follow the important tips laid out in this guide on ATV Safety.
At Dutchess Recreational Vehicles, we want you to stay safe every time you step on a four wheeler, and one of the key elements of safe riding is good maintenance. So if you need any additional ATV parts or accessories for more confident riding, stop by our service department in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Buy the Required Equipment
ATV safety starts with good gear. With the right equipment and ATV accessories, you can prevent a lot of injuries.
To start, you’ll need a good pair of riding boots. At the very least, wear some sturdy shoes that will stabilize your feet and ankles in case you take a spill.
You’ll also need long sleeves and pants, as these will protect your limbs from getting scratched up by rocks, debris, and brush.
On top of that, you’ll need some eye protection. Flying pebbles and branches could easily damage your eyes, and this temporary loss of vision can even lead to an accident, so goggles or at least sunglasses will help protect you from this risk.
And most important of all, you’ll need to have a helmet. Remember that ATVs don’t have seat belts, air bags, or any of the other main safety features you find in a car. That means that your personal protection falls on the gear on your body. Since your head is the most susceptible to injury, you’ll need a good, sturdy helmet that fits properly. Spend as much as you need to to find a model that’ll offer the most protection possible while still being comfortable.
Stay within Passenger Limit
Don’t overload your ATV with extra riders. Even one extra rider on an ATV designed for one person will change the way the ATV handles, accelerates, and brakes. You might think it feels normal, but when you head into a hard corner, you’ll realize you didn’t have the steering control you thought you did.
If you have additional questions, need service, or are still in the market for a new four wheeler, come visit us at Dutchess Recreational Vehicles, where we proudly serve customers from Danbury, Connecticut, and Peekskill, New York.