Know Your ATV Safety Tips! by Ray Martin

ATVs are gaining a great popularity among youths, adults as well as children. Hence, the knowledge of ATV safety should be growing as well. While the CPSC is committed to doing its part in promoting the safety issues of an ATV, the consumers, parents, manufacturers, dealers and retailers must also work hand in hand on this issue too. Here are some ATV safety tips for you – in case you have long forgotten about them.

1. Sign up for a hands-on safety training course
A safety training course enables riders to learn how to control their ATVs in typical situations – and in most cases, most ATV drivers who have gone through such courses have a lower injury risks compared to those with no formal or proper training.

2. Wear your protective gears!
Many a time, ATV injuries are head injuries and unless you want to risk “losing your head” while you are enjoying a ride on your ATV, always make sure that you wearing your helmet. Wearing a helmet when you are riding your ATV reduces the severity of head injuries, in the event of an unforeseen accident. However, when buying the helmet, please remember to check if it is certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and/or the Snell Memorial Foundation. On top of that, we also highly recommend that you wear over-the-ankle boots, goggles, gloves, long pants and long sleeved shirts to protect yourself against unnecessary cuts and injuries from rocks, trees as well as other kinds of debris.

3. Two is a crowd on an ATV
Most ATVs are designed for one person (meaning the rider) only and this means that passengers are not allowed. ATVs drivers must be able to shift their weight freely in all directions while they are riding and it is important that the drivers are able to maintain a safe control over their ATVs, especially on varying terrains and having a passenger will make it difficult for drivers to control their ATVs.

4. ATV = off road riding
Tempting as it may be, but one should never ride an ATV on paved roads. The designs of ATVs are not made for paved road riding. Riding an ATV on paved roads could cost you your life if you collide with cars or other vehicles. There have been reports of many fatalities involving ATVs that occur on paved roads. Be smart, ride your ATV on off paved road!

5. Children should not be allowed on adult ATVs
If you want your children to ride on an ATV, get them to ride on the youth ATVs instead of an adult ATV. About one third of ATV related deaths and injuries involving children are those who were driving or riding on an adult ATV. If your child is under 16 years of age, we encourage you to forbid them from riding an adult ATV. Instead, have them ride on something that they will have better control of – the youth ATVs.

6. Never ride ATVs under the influence of alcohol or drugs
It goes without saying that if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you should never get behind any wheels – be it a car or an ATV. Alcohol and drugs messes up your reaction time and judgment – so stay off ATVs if you have consumed either one.

ATVs are not toys, and if you adhere to all the safety measures while you ride on one, you can be sure that you will be able to have fun and arrive safely. It’s all about knowledge and putting them into practice. If you want to put in your 2-cents worth about ATV safety, you can do so at the forum discussion board at www.jackel.com or www.atvoutdoors.net Gear up and ride safely!

For more information about kids atvs and products relating to your needs feel free to contact Jackel Motorsports toll free at 1-888-529-8629 or on the web at http://www.jackel.com



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