ATV Safety Guide
The thrilling speeds and all-terrain capabilities of ATVs and other four wheelers are popular with powersports enthusiasts of all ages and walks of life. Whether you’re riding your quad around the track on the weekends or on an off-roading adventure in the hills, you’re sure to have a great time. However, riding an ATV requires that you take some important safety precautions and follow some best practices to keep yourself and others safe. Even if you’re a seasoned ATV rider, it’s always good to brush up on safety guidelines.
At Joe's Cycle Shop in Bolivar, Tennessee, we understand the importance of ATV safety, so we’ve prepared this brief guide to make sure your off-roading adventure goes off without a hitch.
Get The Right Equipment
The open sides and top of an ATV make it great for really feeling the speed and the wind in your face when you’re riding, but these facets also mean that you’re less protected than you are in a passenger car. While the rollover cages on most quads offer a modicum of protection in the event of a crash, you’re still liable to be thrown out in the event of a crash or rollover event. This means you should be wearing a DOT-approved helmet at all times, preferably a motocross style helmet that is breathable with face protection. If your helmet lacks a face shield, wear goggles to protect your eyes. You’ll also want to wear long pants and long sleeves to protect your arms and legs from scratches, gloves to maintain your grip and protect your hands, and sturdy boots that ideally go up to your ankles.
ATV Maintenance
Keeping your ATV in good shape goes a long way towards making sure it performs well both on and off road. The more often you ride, the more frequently you’ll have to do certain maintenance tasks, but certain components on your quad can wear down even while it’s in storage. Before every ride, check your tire pressure and look to see that your treads are in good shape and have even wear. Fill your gas tank before every ride. Examine your quad for signs of damage before each ride and make sure the brakes and throttle function properly.
Follow Best Practices
No matter what kind of motorized vehicle you’re riding, there are certain precautions you should take. Before you head out on your ATV, don’t drink or use recreational drugs. Just as when operating a passenger car, maintaining your focus and reflexes is vitally important to your safety. If you have any health conditions or take prescription medications that might alter your ability to operate a quad, check with your doctor to see if it’s advisable.
Put your cell phone away while you’re operating a quad. Anything that distracts you can get you in trouble quickly. Don’t overload your ATV with more cargo or people than it’s intended to hold -- your quad has a weight limit that you should always abide by to maintain prime operating conditions.
Stay focused on the road ahead of you when riding your ATV. Be courteous of other people who are hiking or using quads in the same area. Don’t be reckless, and use your best judgement to keep yourself, your passengers and those around you safe. This means that you should ride during daylight hours, take breaks to conserve your energy, and go slowly on new paths where you don’t know what’s around the bend.
If your ATV needs parts or service, don’t hesitate to call or stop by to schedule a service appointment. If you’re looking to add to your fleet of quads, we’ve got a great selection of new and used four wheelers at our Bolivar dealership. Joe’s Cycle Shop is near Jackson and Humboldt,Tennessee. We also serve the Mississippi cities of Corinth, Oxford and Olive Branch.
