Side-by-Side Safety Tips

Utility task/terrain vehicles, also known as UTVs or side-by-sides, have only become more popular in recent years as a means of recreational and professional transport. Their rugged tires, high ground clearances and ability to carry a lot of people and cargo make UTVs extremely useful and fun to ride.

However, unlike a typical car or truck, your vehicle is open to the air and you won’t be going over smooth concrete, so you’ll need to be more vigilant when it comes to safety. America's Motor Sports Nashville North, located in Madison, is your Tennessee side-by-side dealer. Here are some of our top safety tips to help you ride responsibly, whether for work or for recreational purposes.

Gear Up

First, you should ensure that you’ve got all the necessary safety gear to keep yourself protected while you ride. The most important piece of gear you can have is a well-fitting helmet with eye protection. This could come in the form of a motorcycle helmet with a full face mask or a motocross helmet with a pair of goggles.

Whichever option you choose needs to be new, undamaged and close-fitting without being uncomfortable. Wear your helmet for every ride, no matter how brief, because you’re at a higher risk of being thrown from a vehicle without an enclosure in an impact event, and it’s important to protect your brain.

The rest of your attire can be protective without being too serious. Long sleeves and pants in a sturdy fabric can help protect your skin from abrasions and sun exposure, while gloves with good grip protect your hands and ensure you can keep your grip on the steering wheel. Wear a pair of sturdy ankle boots with good treads. Always use your seatbelt when riding in your side-by-side, too, and make sure that all of your passengers do the same and are similarly outfitted.

Carry Supplies

You’ll also want to make sure that you’ve stocked your side-by-side with all the necessities you might need during your ride. Some examples include food and water, sunscreen, an air compressor, a spare tire and tire patch kit, a toolkit, a well-stocked first-aid kit, an emergency hand-crank radio, a flashlight and your cell phone.

Maintain Your UTV

A crucial part of side-by-side safety is ensuring that your vehicle remains in good working order for every ride. Perform a thorough pre-ride inspection before every trip to make sure you have a full fuel tank, clean oil, functioning signals and aired-up tires. But don’t forget to make regular service appointments to have your vehicle tuned up! The mechanics here at America’s Motor Sports Nashville North will be more than happy to take care of your UTV service needs if you just give us a call.

Ride Responsibly

When riding your UTV, whether for work or play, you should always endeavor to be as responsible as possible. Just because you’re out off-roading doesn’t mean you get to throw caution to the wind!

Only operate your vehicle when you’re sober and alert; being sick, tired or under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs will hamper your focus, reduce your awareness and potentially get you involved in a serious accident. Be sure to check with your doctor before operating your UTV if you have a medical condition or take a prescription medication that might preclude you from driving safely.

Watch the road ahead for obstacles, animals and people that you’ll need to avoid. Ride during daylight hours and in the company of at least one other person so that you have someone to assist you if you become injured or ill or your vehicle breaks down. If you’re hauling cargo, make sure that your vehicle can handle the weight and that everything is properly secured before you depart.

Follow The Rules

When riding on a track or trail, always follow posted signage. This includes speed limits, but it also includes where you can and cannot go. Never go off a trail and into the wilderness around you! Not only does this do real damage to the surrounding environment and the animals that live there, but it also puts you at risk for hitting an unseen obstacle. The rules are in place for a reason!

Seeking UTVs for sale near Nashville? Visit our Madison, Tennessee, dealership to check out our full selection of new and used side-by-sides for sale. America’s Motor Sports Nashville North proudly serves the city of Henderson, Tennessee.