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Gearing up for excitement on an ATV? Before you hit the trail, ensure you’re protected with the proper safety equipment.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, four of every ten people hospitalized with injuries from ATV wrong use are under the age of sixteen. In fact, in 1993 the Department of Health estimated that fifty people were seriously hurt from utility ATV related accidents. This number includes recreational riding, and does not take into account the number of agriculture-related ATV accidents.
ATV riding looks like a lot of fun, but why are there so many ATV related injuries? While many use these off-road four-wheeled machines as utility vehicles, they have become quite well-liked as recreational vehicles. The lack of understanding of safety procedures and sheer misuse points to the large number of accidents. On the other hand, professionals who use sport ATVs report fewer injuries. These trained riders recognize the dangers, and play by the rules.
If you ride an ATV, you need to take precautions to make sure that you don’t become another Department of Health statistic. Using common sense and riding responsibly is the best way to have fun and stay safe. Know the safety guidelines, and wear good quality protective gear.
Securing Yourself on an ATV
Body Protection
It’s always a good idea to wear full body protection while riding or driving on an ATV, even if you’re only going a short distance. Full body gear secures you from head to toe. Make sure that you have a CSA-approved helmet, plus goggles, boots, a body suit and gloves. Those who race ATVs need to give special consideration to their protective gear, as they’ll be traveling through some pretty rough topography and facing treacherous challenges. Even the tiniest stone or tree branch can produce blindness, and the right turn at the wrong time can lead to a rollover.
There are proper ATV suits accessible on the market, but any long sleeve jacket and long tight pants can provide sufficient body protection. Choose durable fabrics, and avoid those materials that can be easily snagged with debris or twigs. Wear gloves and boots at all times, and consider wearing padded clothing or shin guards for complete safety protection.
Head Protection
Head damage lasts forever, and no one is immune from suffering this type of injury. A certified helmet is the single most important piece of safety tool. Select a helmet that is specifically designed for ATV use, as it will provide the proper amount of face protection. Aside from keeping you safe from injury in the event of a crash, face protectors safeguard you from being hurt by flying debris. This is a most important concern, particularly for those who race ATVs. Again, a single plunge can result in paralysis and even death. Do not ride an ATV without a proper helmet.
Eye Protection
Most ATV helmets have clear plastic face shields intended to protect the eyes. If your helmet does not provide eye protection, be sure to invest in a pair of good quality glasses or goggles with hard lenses. Do not wear glasses with regular lenses, as these can easily shatter when hit by a loose stone.
Proper ATV gear is available at specialty stores. If you’d like to see your options online, check ridegear.com. You can also contact this company by phone at 1-800-515-1380. Ride Gear supplies to the needs of all sorts of riders. From dirt bikes to snowmobiles to watercrafts, they have all the protection an extreme rider needs. There is a product section dedicated solely to the needs of ATV riders, including machine upgrades and safety gear.
Have pleasure on your ATV, but play it safe. Don’t become another statistic in the rising number of ATV related mishap. See a professional outfitter and protect yourself before you hit the roads.
Tagged with: ATV • ATV safety tips
Filed under: ATV Parts