ATV Safety Tips

Riding on your ATV is one of the most thrilling ways you can spend a Saturday afternoon. Whether you’re a novice to the quad scene or an expert, it’s hard to beat the sheer excitement you can find on a four wheeler. However, because of their high speeds and open riding style, ATVs do present some dangers. That’s why it’s so important that you take some vital safety precautions before and as you ride. We’re well versed in safety here at America's Motor Sports Madison, so we’ve created this list of tips to keep yourself and your friends and family safe as you ride your ATVs whether you’re off-roading or out at the track.

Get The Right Equipment

Firstly, you should make sure you have the right safety equipment for ATV riding. The most important component is a well-fitting helmet that’s meant for extreme riding conditions. This can either be a motorcycle helmet with a full face mask or a motocross helmet and pair of goggles as eye protection. Your ATV has a somewhat high chance of rolling over on a tight turn at high speeds, so protecting your brain is a very important safety step. Since you don’t have a seat belt, you’re also at risk of being thrown from the vehicle in an impact event. Be smart and wear a well-fitting helmet that’s comfortable.

The rest of your attire should serve as protection from the hazards on the trail, such as branches and kicked-up debris. Wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves and boots that go to your ankle. These clothes will not only keep your skin from developing abrasions and scrapes, but will serve as sun protection so you won’t have to wear much sunscreen.

You should carry some things on your ATV at all times when you’re riding just in case of an emergency. This includes a repair kit for your ATV, a first aid kit to deal with abrasions and minor illness or injury, a fire extinguisher, your phone with its charger, a flashlight and an emergency radio.

Keep Your ATV Serviced

Since your ATV does so much to you, it’s only fair that you return the favor by doing what you can to keep it in peak running condition. Make sure that you’re checking your tire pressure, topping up your oil and coolant and other engine fluids, fueling up your tank completely before every ride and looking for signs of damage or reduced performance. If you find any issues you can’t deal with yourself, don’t hesitate to contact the America’s Motor Sports Madison service department so our mechanics can help you out.

Follow Best Practices

When you’re riding, it’s important that you follow some basic common sense practices, as well as the rules and regulations of whatever area you’re riding in. If you’re riding on a trail, don’t deviate from the given path, as you could do serious damage to the ecosystem around it. Give animals and people on foot a wide berth and don’t rev your engine or speed up around them. Ride during daylight hours and good weather conditions. Don’t consume alcohol or recreational drugs before or as you ride, because these substances will impair your focus and reaction time, making you much more likely to have an accident. Staying sober will protect you and those around you. Ride with at least one other person so you can help each other out in the event of an injury or ATV breakdown.

In the market for a new or used 4 wheeler? Come down to our Madison showroom to see our wide array of ATVs from all the best brands. America’s Motor Sports Madison serves the cities of Madison, Hendersonville, Lebanon and Springfield, Tennessee, as well as nearby Bowling Green, Kentucky.