Riding an ATV is a lot of fun and when people wear the proper safety equipment and follow commonsense rules, they have a great safe time. There are number of people injured each year riding ATVs and the reasons usually boil down to they were using their ATV in manner in which it was never intended.
Here is a rundown of things you should never do on your ATV:
Never allow children and young people under the age of 16 to ride adult ATVs (with engines bigger than 90 cubic centimeters) and never allow children to ride their ATVs without adult supervision. Never drive an ATV with a passenger and never ride as a passenger.
Never ride without your helmet and goggles. Debris in your eyes and face can cause you to have an accident.
Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this shouldn't even be an issue, but recent studies show over half of all ATV accidents had drugs and/or alcohol involved. If you must ride alone, always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
Never operate an ATV without proper instruction. Training classes are available nearly everywhere and many times they are free or just a nominal charge which is well worth the price to learn ATV handling skills and techniques.
Never ride on another's land without asking. Some folks just aren't very enthusiastic about sharing their land with ATV riders. Furthermore, never disregard your State Laws and Regulations for riding ATVs. This can cost you, literally. Getting a ticket and taking time to go down to the courthouse and pay it is a big time waster when you could be riding your ATV. Avoid the trip and follow the rules.
Now that you know the basics, follow good safety guidelines for riding your ATV and you won't be a statistic, you'll be a safe ATV rider out having a great time!
