Tips for Safe ATV Riding
At the end of the day, there is no getting around the fact that ATV riding can be risky. Fast movement and plentiful obstacles mean that there is always a lot that can go wrong. However, that does not necessarily mean that you have to throw caution to the wind and accept the inevitability of an accident. The right attitudes and behaviors can go a long way toward keeping you safe. That is why Moto Zoo St. George has created this list of ATV safety tips.
Invest in Good Equipment
The right equipment can provide you with life-saving protection in the event of an accident. Solid riding boots and a good pair of gloves can help you keep your extremities warm and protect them from flying sticks, rocks, and other debris. A good set of goggles serves much the same purpose for your eyes, though you should ensure that your set has an anti-fogging coating when the trail gets cold.
Chest protectors and helmets have a similar but distinct purposes. Rather than help prevent an accident by protecting your body during a ride, they protect the most vulnerable areas of your body, your head and chest, should an accident occur. When picking out a helmet, make sure it fits snugly but is not so tight that it squeezes your head. Be sure that whatever helmet you eventually choose has been approved by a crash testing agency such as DOT or Snell.
Maintain Your ATV
Mechanical failures like tire blowouts and engine malfunctions can also lead to an accident. Make sure that you are keeping up with your ATV’s maintenance schedule. You should also do a pre-ride inspection before each ride just to make sure everything is still working correctly.
Always Follow Best Practices
Do what you can to eliminate unnecessary risks. Check the weather before each ride to find out what kinds of conditions you can expect. Always stay on the trails, and take things a little slower when riding in unfamiliar territory. No matter what, you should always ride sober.
Know Your Limits
It is also important to know the limits of your own skill. If you are just starting out, it is usually best to cut your teeth on a few beginner courses before moving on to the more advanced trails. Remember that you can always come back when you have more experience under your belt if you want to ride a trail but it is too advanced for your current skill level.
Ready to check out some ATVs? Visit Moto Zoo St. George. Our dealership in St. George, Utah stocks a selection of new and used models from the best brands in the industry. We are proud to serve communities like Mesquite and Cedar City, Utah, and we hope to see you soon.
