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ATV Safety Tips for Beginners

If you’re a beginner at riding ATVs, you must learn some basic safety rules. In this post by ;Dwight Smith in Ann Arbor, MI, we’ll cover some beginner ;ATV safety tips ;to have a good time while staying safe.

Gear Up for Safety

When riding your ATV, it’s essential to use proper safety gear to avoid any accidents while on the trail. Using the right equipment can prevent scrapes and scratches and keep you protected in case of an accident. Safety gear should include the following:

Helmet: Look for an ATV helmet that will protect your head in case of a collision. Your helmet is a key piece of safety gear and should fit properly for it to be effective. There shouldn’t be any rotation once it’s secured on your head. To see if your helmet fits correctly, try sticking your thumb in between the helmet and your forehead; if it doesn’t fit, you’re good to go, but if it does, you’ll need to get a smaller size.
Goggles: Riding off-road means driving through rough roads that could have dust, dirt, and debris flying towards your face. Avoid it getting in your eyes by wearing goggles. Avoid using sunglasses as they won’t be secure on your face and could fly off.
Jacket: The need for a jacket will depend on the weather, but it’s vital that you protect your arms so a long-sleeve shirt can also do the trick.
Pants or jeans: Similar to long-sleeves, pants or jeans can protect you from branches and debris you might find along the way.
Gloves: Like jackets and jeans, gloves are there to protect your hands with the bonus of providing a better grip on the ATV’s handles.
Boots: Protect your feet with ATV boots or hiking boots.

It might sound overly cautious about paying so much attention to safety gear, but extreme sports are most enjoyed when you’re safe while practicing them. Remember that it’s best to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

These ;ATV safety tips ;aim to keep you safe while riding; another way of keeping you safe when riding is to maintain your vehicle in the best shape possible. Do so with products like ;AMSOIL’s 5W-50 Synthetic ATV/UTV Engine Oil. Call the oil experts at ;AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith ;to get advice on the best products for your motorcycle, or ;visit their online shop ;to place your order today.

Learn and Practice How to Ride

Another ATV safety tip is taking a course to learn how to ride an ATV. This is important because there are many nuances to riding an ATV that you should know about before going on a trail. Luckily there are courses you can take to learn the basics. Michigan offers an official safety course for off-road vehicle riding taught by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. This course is required for riders under 16 years of age and if you’ll be riding on Michigan trails or private roads.

ATV riding courses usually cover things like navigating the terrain, climbing hills, turning, and the basics of ATV controls. Practicing is key to becoming proficient at driving your ATV, so make sure to put in the hours and perfect your technique. As a last note, always watch beginners and young riders until you’re confident they’re proficient enough to ride on their own.

Get the best products for your ATV or UTV at ;AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith. Call them today at (702) 561-3706 for more information on their full range of products, or visit their ;online shop ;to place your order.

Choose an ATV in the Right Size

Choosing the right sized ATV is also essential to be safe when driving. This is especially true if a teen will be driving. Handling a full-sized ATV can be more challenging as they’re much heavier than a beginner’s model. Look for an ATV manufactured for your age and height to make learning how to ride it more manageable, and once you feel confident enough in your skills, you’ll be able to graduate to a full-sized model.

Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

Paying attention to the trail your riding is also essential in keeping yourself and others safe while on the road. Make sure to give yourself enough space to maneuver around you and others on the trail, as well as vegetation and animals you might encounter. Take care of the trails you ride to make it safe for other riders, and avoid using your cell phone while riding. Lastly, it’s crucial you ride with all your sense; that’s why drinking before riding is greatly discouraged to avoid issues on the road.