Many young people want to ride an ATV, and just about every parent wants their children to ride their ATV in a safe manner. Like any other vehicle, an ATV is something that can bring hours of enjoyment, as long as it is operated in a safe manner. Before a parent allows their child to ride an ATV, especially with their friends, a number of things must be considered to make sure the child rides the ATV safely.
The first thing, and perhaps the most important, is for the parent of the rider to realize that the child riding the ATV must be supervised. Unlike riding a bicycle, riding an ATV safely is something that shouldn't be left only to the child rider. Parents should know how to operate the ATV, where the controls are, what safety equipment is needed, and what to do in case something goes wrong. Just because a child seems to be riding an ATV safely doesn't mean that something cannot change in an instant.
The second item to consider, even before the child attempts to ride the ATV safely, is whether or not the ATV fits the rider. The child rider should be able to reach all controls, including the hand brake, throttle, and gear shift. In addition, the rider should be able to turn the handles completely from side to side and still be able to maintain focus on the trail ahead. Also, be sure to make certain that when the child stands on the foot rests and looks straight ahead that there is at least 3 inches of clearance between the vehicle and the seat of the pants. In order to ride an ATV safely, the child needs to be able to lean in just about every direction to control how the ATV operates.
Of course, a very important part of riding an ATV safely is the equipment used by the rider. All riders, regardless of their age should make use of a helmet, long sleeves and pants, padding, eye protection, and gloves. In order to operate the ATV safely, the safety equipment needs to fit properly and allow for full visibility at all times. It may seem cumbersome at first, but using the proper safety equipment is imperative for riding the ATV safely.
One final item to consider when thinking about allowing a child to ride an ATV safely is whether or not the child has good judgment. With every turn of the handle, or turn of the throttle, the ATV will react. The child needs to realize and understand what will happen, and how to act accordingly. By thinking ahead, a child can both enjoy and ride their ATV safely.
