Tips for Safe ATV Riding

Taking your ATV out for a fun day on the trails can be a great way to spend a day off or an afternoon outing. To make sure the fun doesn’t stop, you’ll want to be following all the best safety practices. ATVs aren’t small or light, so an accident can have serious consequences. Here at Sky Powersports Lakeland, we’ve provided some of the basics for staying safe while you’re out on your ATV. If you need additional safety equipment or maintenance to make sure your machine doesn’t breakdown in the middle of a trail, stop by our location in Lakeland, Florida, near the areas of Tampa, Orlando, and Brandon, Florida.

Invest in your Equipment

As sturdy as your ATV may feel, there are lots of occasions in which you could get thrown and the only thing protecting you at that point are the clothes and the gear you’re wearing. You’ll want to make sure all of it will protect you in the event of an accident. Your most important piece of safety gear is your helmet. You’ll want it to be high quality and properly fitted. You’ll also want to wear the right clothing, padding, and boots. There are lots of brands and styles to choose from, but the important thing is to not go cheap for the sake of saving money. It won’t feel great to hit the ground after being thrown from an ATV, but the quality of your protective gear will determine the severity of the injury, and the medical bills probably won’t be worth the extra $50 in savings.

Maintain your ATV

Sometimes, crashes don’t happen because of what you do, but because of what you don’t do. Leaving your ATV unmaintained can lead to deteriorating fluids and faulty gears, not to mention low-quality tires and unresponsive controls. You’ll want to make sure you’re always taking care of your ATV, whether you’re taking it out every weekend or keeping it in storage for the winter. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and your engine is in good working condition. Stick to a regular maintenance routine, and make sure this includes taking in your ATV for a professional to look at on a regular basis.

Always Follow Best Practices

ATVs are made for offroading, so avoid paved roads unless absolutely necessary and permitted by law. When you join motorized vehicles on paved roads, you run a higher risk of getting hit.

Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It impairs your judgment and your reaction time. Keep in mind that while recreational drugs should always be off limits, but you’ll also want to check that any prescriptions you take won’t impair your focus either and plan accordingly if this is going to be the case.

On that note, make sure you also put down your cell phone. This should be a regular habit when you’re in control of any heavy machinery. In particular, offroading requires a great deal of focus in order to properly anticipate any obstacles or rough patches. We wouldn’t recommend leaving it behind, as cell phones can be incredibly valuable if you get stranded, but make sure it’s stowed away when you’re in motion.

Know your Limits

As stated above, your ATV requires your undivided attention. When your overall constitution is compromised, it can lead to costly mistakes. If you’re ill or tired, stay home. Don’t push yourself past your limits if you don’t absolutely have to. This includes avoiding trails you don’t have the experience for and knowing when it’s getting too dark out. Keep an eye on the forecast as poor weather conditions can lead to dangerous riding and a miserable day.

You’ll want to know your ATVs limits as well. If your ATV is only built to accommodate one person, don’t let anyone else on with you. For two-person ATVs, don’t allow more than one passenger on your ride. Also, ride the appropriate ATV for your age and your experience so you’re able to control it. If you’re with underaged riders, make sure they’re always supervised. Respect the machine and know when you might push things too far.

Despite all the doom and gloom, ATVing is generally a very fun and exciting experience. Some of the best memories and most relaxing days happen on the trails, so we want everyone to safely enjoy their outings. And for all your regular maintenance and repairs, stop by Sky Powersports Lakeland today. We welcome all powersport owners from the areas of Lakeland, Tampa, Orlando, and Brandon, Florida.