Nothing compares to touring the countryside on an ATV with family and friends. To ensure safe and enjoyable rides, follow the ATV safety tips listed below by Synthetic Solutions in Zebulon.
Every year, a large number of people decide to learn how to ride ATVs. And it's not surprising since quads are a lot of fun, especially in the company of family and friends. Despite that, it's vital to recognize that quads are not toys, so their handling must be highly responsible. According to the most recent data from the CPSC, there were 1,566 fatal incidents associated with ATV riding between 2016 and 2018. In that regard, it's essential to take all the necessary precautions to minimize the risks of suffering an incident. Thus, if you plan to learn how to ride a quad soon, consider the following ATV safety tips to enjoy a much safer ride.
Call Synthetic Solutions at (888) 450-2658 for advice on what oils and products to use during your quad's maintenance routine. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order for the most effective synthetic oil in Zebulon.
Top ATV Safety Tips for New Riders
Get Hands-On Training
To ride an ATV safely, you should first take a riding lesson with a qualified instructor. To do so, you can find different course options by doing a quick search online. Most courses start by teaching basic information on how an ATV works. They also go over the vehicle's controls and operating limits. Then, the hands-on part of the training begins as trainees are taken to test areas to ride under the instructors' supervision. So, on the whole, receiving hands-on training will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to tackle the trails in a safe and fun way.
Wear Protective Equipment From Head to Toe
Riding an ATV entails being exposed to the environment. Thus, the body is more vulnerable to receiving a direct impact in case of an incident. Under such riding conditions, it is pivotal to protect yourself from head to toe with the proper protective gear. Here are the main pieces of equipment you need:
Helmet: Something as simple as wearing a helmet can save your life. Before purchasing one, try it on to make sure it fits your head snugly. Also, look for the Department of Transportation seal to ensure it meets the highest safety standards.
Riding goggles: When riding on dusty roads, your eyes are vulnerable to irritation. Thus, it's essential to protect them with riding glasses.
Gloves: Wearing gloves will protect your hands if you fall and land on them.
Jersey and pants: Covering your arms, legs, and torso is essential to minimize scrapes or injuries in the event of a fall from the ATV.
Riding boots: Wearing boots with ankle support and non-skid soles is key to riding more safely.
Staying on top of your ATV's maintenance is the best way to ensure that it will operate reliably and safely on the trails. So, review your equipment's owner's manual and go over all the machine's service requirements. Tied to that, entrust the service and repair of your ATV to a skilled and trusted professional.
As the owner of an ATV, it's also vital that you get involved in its maintenance. To that end, clean the equipment periodically and according to the manufacturer's instructions. It's also important to always perform a routine pre-ride inspection so you can hit the trails with peace of mind and safety.
Stay Off Paved Roads
ATVs are designed to ride on all types of surfaces but on paved roads. Such an exception is mainly due to their all-terrain tires. These elements have low tire pressure, a highly resistant tread, and a non-uniform contact patch. Of course, such features work wonders in difficult terrain. Yet, they can affect the handling and control of the equipment on paved roads or streets. At the risk of losing control of your ATV, choose to limit its use to off-road surfaces.
Finally, Don't Drink and Ride
This last tip may go without saying, yet the danger of driving under the influence of alcohol is often underestimated. As you know, alcohol produces sedative effects that impair safe driving. These include altered concentration, vision, and slow reaction times. Considering that, always choose to practice safe and sober driving.
We hope you found these ATV safety tips informative and helpful. Rely on the best synthetic oil change in Zebulon to keep your ATV in top shape for longer. Call Synthetic Solutions at (888) 450-2658 or stop by AMSOIL's online store to get acquainted with the entire line of top-shelf oils and products for ATVs and UTVs.