Driving All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) can be an enjoyable way to spend time with family and friends. They can even be helpful in doing work around a yard or farm. However, the fun in using an ATV can turn dangerous very quickly.
Driving All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) can be an enjoyable way to spend time with family and friends. They can even be helpful in doing work around a yard or farm. However, the fun in using an ATV can turn dangerous very quickly.
Having the right safety equipment and information can help ensure your adventure doesn’t turn into a trip to the hospital, or even worse.
The 10 STARs: Safety Tips for ATV Riders
1. Always wear your helmet
2. One person at a time
3. Ride the right size machine
4. Always wear your protective gear
5. Never ride on the road
6. Take an ATV safety course
7. Tell someone where you are going
8. Respect private property
9. Never use alcohol or drugs
10. Always obey the rules
ATV riders should ALWAYS wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, and over-the-ankle boots. Protective gear is necessary in any weather, even when the temperature is warm. In cold weather you should dress your youngster with additional layers of clothing. Some riders wear a kidney belt and chest or back protector for additional protection. Adjacent is a drawing of well-equipped riders.
Protective Gear
The nature of ATV riding demands that you wear protective clothing. Although complete protection is not possible, knowing what to wear and how to wear it can make you feel more comfortable when you ride and reduce the chance of injury.
Clothing
Good gloves can help keep your hands from getting sore, tired, or cold, as well as offer protection in the event of a spill. Off-highway style gloves, available at ATV dealerships, are padded over the knuckles to help prevent bruising, and provide the best combination of protection and comfort.
The recommended protective footwear is a pair of strong, over-the-ankle boots with low heels to help prevent your feet from slipping off the footrests. Off-highway style boots offer the best protection for feet, ankles, and lower legs.
It is important to protect your skin from scratches. A long-sleeved shirt or jersey and long pants are minimum requirements for rider protection. Off-highway riding gear such as off highway pants with kneepads, jersey, and chest/shoulder protectors provides better protection.
You can look stylish and ready for action, and still be well protected.
Helmets
Your helmet is the most important piece of protective gear for safe riding. A helmet can help prevent a serious head injury.
There are a few basic tips to keep in mind when selecting a helmet. Select a helmet that meets or exceeds your state’s safety standards and carries either the Department of Transportation (DOT) label or the Snell Memorial Foundation label.
Your helmet should fit snugly and fasten securely. Full-face helmets help protect your face as well as your head. Open-face helmets are lighter and may be cooler, but should be used with mouth protection. Eye protection should be used with both types of helmets.
There is also a special time not to wear a helmet. When you stop to talk with landowners or other people you meet on the trails, always take your helmet off. To some people your helmet is a mask and can be intimidating.
Eye Protection
You must be able to see clearly to ride safely. An object such as a rock, branch, or even a bug that hits you in the face can distract you. If you are hit in the eyes without proper protection, you can be blinded. Regular sunglasses do not provide proper protection while riding an ATV.
A face shield or goggles will provide you with more protection and should be:
• Free from scratches and bear the standard
• Fastened securely
• Well ventilated to prevent fogging
In addition, you may wish to use grey tinted eye protection for riding on bright days or yellow for overcast days. Always use clear eye protection for riding at night. ■
The products are available in all Yamaha showrooms across the UAE. For more details, please contact 800-AYM(296) or visit www.aym.ae. Email: customerservice@alyousuf.com or salesteam@alyousuf.com
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this article was published in OutdoorUAE printed magazine issue #92 December 2018 – January 2019
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