Riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can be a fun and exhilarating experience. However, if you’re not careful, it can also be dangerous.
Each year, there are between 300 to 400 ATV-related fatalities. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe and ensure that you have a great time with this list of 10 tips to prevent ATV accidents.
Riding in the appropriate conditions is a must. Avoid heading out in the rain or snow, as your vehicle’s wheels may not be able to gain proper traction.
Like any other physical activity, hydration is extremely important when riding an ATV.
Be sure to stay hydrated, particularly if you’re riding on a hot, sunny day. The average person sweats around 1.5 quarts of liquid per hour under extreme heat.
We can’t stress this enough: Always know where the nearest medical facility is. Even if you’re an experienced rider, knowing how far the closest hospital is before you need to visit can be extremely helpful in a dangerous situation.
As the saying goes, there’s safety in numbers, and that’s certainly no different when it comes to ATV safety.
Make sure you have at least one other person in eyeshot at all times. Should something go wrong, having another person nearby ensures that you’ll receive help if needed.
If you own your vehicle, be sure to inspect and maintain it on a regular basis. That means changing tires, checking the shocks, and changing the oil.
Improperly maintained vehicles are an accident waiting to happen. If a vehicle isn’t road-ready, don’t take it out under any circumstances.
Sometimes ATV accidents occur between two riders. More often than not, these cases are the result of one or both riders failing to keep track of where the other driver was.
Colliding with a fellow rider doubles the number of injuries, so stay safe by staying aware.
Part of the thrill of riding an ATV is the sheer sense of speed one gets from riding. Yet the faster your vehicle accelerates, the easier it is to lose control.
Going fast is a blast, but driving at a dangerous speed amplifies your risk of injury.
This tip seems like common sense, but plenty of ATV riders feel that they’re too ‘cool’ to wear helmets, jackets, and pads.
Put your pride aside and wear protective gear whenever you’re on an ATV. Believe us, you’ll be glad you were wearing that gear if an accident occurs.
If you’re just learning to ride, don’t feel pressured to try extreme terrain. While extreme ATVing is a thrill, your first ride shouldn’t be your last. So master the fundamentals before moving on to the harder stuff.
Last but not least, never drive if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even if it’s just one beer, your motor functions are drastically slowed once alcohol is introduced into your system.
Here at Coastal Urgent Care of Gonzales, we understand how much fun riding an ATV can be. But ATV accidents are no fun, so please, stay safe by remembering what you’ve learned today.
And before you go riding, don’t forget to enter our location into your phone in case of an emergency. Happy riding!