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Four wheels on the ground, roaring engines, and the feeling of power at your fingertips. There is truly something incredible about heading down a trail, or through a mud hole on an ATV that just can’t be replaced. It only gets better when your family joins you for the ride. While some of your family members, especially children, might feel shy or even scared to start riding an ATV, this list will help everyone have a blast and stay safe ride after ride.
1. Wear a helmet, goggles and other safety gear
You might be surprised by just how much you use your brain while riding an ATV. In fact, if you don’t keep your noggin safe, you won’t be having any fun on an ATV. Before you and your family hit the trails, the most important thing you can do is make sure everyone wears a helmet no matter what.
“It’s just a short ride,” is not an excuse. According to the United States Center for Disease Control, Utah has more traumatic brain injuries among children than almost any other state in the country. Sadly, ATV crashes have a part to play in that statistic. Simply wearing a helmet goes a long way in keeping you and your family safe.
Don’t forget that there is more to protective gear than just a helmet. Goggles, over-the-ankle boots, gloves, full-length sturdy pants and a long- sleeved shirt are all great at taking punishment if you hit the ground, leaving you ready for more riding. Riding safe breeds confidence, which is an important part to having fun on an ATV. Make sure you and your family are prepared by getting a full list of protective gear before you ride.
2. Follow the rules
Contrary to popular belief, rules weren’t actually made to be broken. When riding an ATV stay off paved roads, never allow more riders than the ATV is designed for, and make sure children don’t ride adult vehicles. Through a compilation of several studies done by the Utah Department of Health, data shows that a child is 1,000 times more likely to be injured riding an ATV than riding in a car, and that risk only rises the more you push the envelope. Rules are designed to keep you and your family safe so you can continue to have fun on the trails with your ATVs.
3. Know the terrainKnowing where you are going is important, but you also need to know what to expect when you get there. This includes everything from paying attention to the weather conditions before your trip to understanding the technical level of the trail. Understanding the terrain will help your family prepare so they know how to react while riding, keeping them safe and helping them enjoy the ride.
4. Get ATV training online
One of the most significant contributors to having fun as a family while riding ATVs is safety. While this crash course is a great start, there is still a lot to learn. The good news is you can get rider certified from the comfort of your own home through a Utah state approved online training course.
Remember that it’s the law to get certified if you are under the age of 16. More importantly, getting certified will help your family to stay on the trail and away from the hospital. Get certified and ride responsibly. Serious fun is sure to follow!
