Top Things to Know Before Riding ATVs. ATVs are downright fun. Not only do they serve as a means of transportation, but they can also bring you to places which can’t be reached by ordinary vehicles. That’s why they are called ATVs in the first place!
ATV or all-terrain vehicles are popularly used as recreational vehicles. But they’re slowly making their way into the mainstream market especially in places that have lots of off roads and have bad pavements.
However, riding ATVs comes with a lot of precautions that you need to consider before diving in. These are important so you won’t put yourself in any danger.
This also makes you enjoy your experience more because you don’t have to worry about any problems knowing that you have the right know-how on how to ride these vehicles.
Get Proper Training
One of the first things you need to consider before riding ATVs is to get proper training. This is important because your life depends on your driving skills. Note that you still need to get specific ATV training even if you already know how to drive a car and you already have a license.
These ATVs are different from ordinary cars because they are built for more rugged and extreme terrains. They’re also harder to maneuver because their chassis and steering wheel is stiffer than usual cars.
Aside from that, you also need to learn the proper maneuvering techniques so you don’t fall off cliffs or get stuck in mud potholes on trail rides. You surely don’t want to experience any of those, right? Well, you can avoid all these problems by getting proper training.
Wear a Helmet
Another important thing to remember is to always wear a helmet. You might think that ATVs are just like ordinary cars where you just hop in and drive. Well, they are vehicles. But they go through extremely rugged terrain.
There’s always a risk when you’re riding one, so you need to prepare for it. One good way to prepare is by wearing a helmet. And don’t just wear any helmet!
Make sure you get proper ATV helmets that have passed safety standards. You might feel warm and uncomfortable at first. But you’ll get used to it in no time. It’s better to feel warm and a bit cramped up than get a bruised or bleeding head if worse comes to worst. Always prioritize safety over comfort.
Ride Solo
Most ATVs are designed to only carry one person. This is important because the driver should be able to easily shift their weight around the vehicle to control its maneuverability. The driver must even be comfortable enough to move in different directions so that they won’t be thrown out of the vehicle.
Having two riders in an ATV makes this very difficult because of the cramped space. Also note that ATVs aren’t designed for comfort, but for a capability to traverse extreme terrains such as rock gardens and river crossings.
Having two or more riders in an ATV only makes the riding experience dangerous. But of course, you can disregard this tip if you have a double-rider ATV.
Never DUI
DUI or driving under the influence is a big no-no in riding ATVs. alcohol impairs your senses, specifically your judgment and reaction time. Having these two things out of your senses makes the riding experience dangerous and puts your life at risk.
It’s normal to bring alcohol and liquors when camping out with friends. But make sure that you aren’t anymore tipsy when driving your ATV. It might seem boring, but that’s better than getting
Dress Accordingly
ATV riding is an extreme sport. You go through rugged and seemingly impassable terrains. For sure, your vehicle can pass through it. But there’s always that risk of being injured or getting hit by something such as tree branches or flying rocks from your huge tires.
This is why it’s important to dress appropriately. Cover your extremities so you get protected from any cuts, bruises, or other injuries. We recommend you wear over-the-ankle boots, and gloves to prevent mud or rocks from hitting you.
Also, wear thick cargo long pants and long-sleeve shirts so you won’t get any cuts when you go through skinny trails. It’s also important to wear ATV riding goggles to ensure utmost safety.
You don’t have to worry about mud, dust, or rocks hitting your eyes when driving your ATV when you wear goggles. Not only do they protect you, but you can also enjoy the trails more because of your unhindered vision.
Don’t Let Kids Ride Adult ATVs
There is a reason why there are kids ATVs, and that’s because they are meant for children. Hence, children should never drive or ride adult ATVs because there is a chance that they might get thrown out or fall out of them because of their small size.
ATVs are designed specifically to a specific weight, height, and size so that they can easily traverse steep uphills or gnarly downhills with river crossings.
Don’t risk the life of your kids just because you want them to be with you in your ATV. Buy them a kids ATV instead. But make sure they have the right training and skills to drive one safely.
Never Ride on Pavement
ATVs are called all-terrain vehicles because they can be ridden on any terrain. Yes, that’s true. But they aren’t recommended to be used on paved roads because they are designed for off-road trails.
They can surely go through cement roads. But they become hard to maneuver because of their design and spiked oversized wheels. You also run the risk of crashing into other vehicles and regular cars. Just stay in nature and enjoy what the offroad world has to offer.
Conclusion
Riding an ATV is downright fun. But you also need to consider a lot of things first before you ride one. It’s all about ensuring safety while also enjoying the great outdoors.
Just remember the tips mentioned in this article and you’ll surely have a more memorable time out in the trails with your family, friends, and of course, your ATV.
