ATV Safety
Riding quads with your friends and kicking up dust as you push the throttle is a thrilling way to spend time together. You can tackle almost any terrain without limits and get up to heart-racing speeds. However, ATVs are somewhat risky to ride due to their open-air seating, powerful engines and propensity for rolling over. If you don't take the proper precautions, you could find yourself seriously injured, meaning you won't be able to ride for a very long time. To keep you happily blazing down those trails, the fine people at Brinson Powersports of Athens have prepared this convenient guide to ATV safety. We want all our customers to use common sense to ensure that everyone is riding wisely.
Obtain The Appropriate Gear
Wearing a t-shirt and shorts on an ATV simply won't work if you want to protect yourself from injury. Since injuries prevent you from being able to ride your ATV, wearing the right safety gear should be at the top of your list of concerns. Your first order of business should be obtaining a DOT-rated helmet that's good for high-impact sports. A motocross helmet is perfect for quad riding, provided you pair it with goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris. Motorcycle helmets will work for riding a four wheeler, too, but they're hot and heavy to wear at the lower speeds ATVs obtain.
The rest of what you wear should be protective, but doesn't need to be specialized. Long sleeves and pants will protect your skin from abrasions, sturdy boots that cover your ankles will keep your feet safe and gloves will improve your grip on the handlebars while protecting your hands.
Outfit your ATV with a first-aid kit, repair kit, flashlight, signals, a radio and keep your phone handy for emergency calls.
Keep Up With ATV Maintenance
Just as you keep your passenger car or motorcycle in good working order, so should you stick to a regular ATV maintenance schedule. Check your quad's tire pressure before every ride and inflate the tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure guidelines. Look for bald spots, uneven wear, cracks in the rubber and embedded objects in the tires while you do this. Top up your coolant and other fluids and get your oil changed on a regular basis. Always fill up your fuel tank before you head out on an adventure to make sure you aren't trapped out in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank.Follow Best Practices
When you're riding your ATV, it's important that you follow the rules of wherever you're driving, whether that's park regulations or trail rules. Slow down around animals and people using the same areas as you, and try not to frighten them by revving your engine. Never ride your four wheeler while under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs, because these substances will impair your focus and increase your risk-taking behavior, putting you and others in danger. If you have health conditions or take medications that might prevent you from safely operating a motorized vehicle, talk to your doctor before riding an ATV. Stick to riding your four wheeler during good weather and daylight hours. Riding with others is much safer and more fun than riding alone.
Now that you're versed in ATV safety, you're ready to hit the trails. If you find your quad needs parts or service, schedule an appointment with our talented mechanics who can get your ATV in fighting shape for trail and off-roading adventures. Come down to our Athens showroom to see the great 4 wheelers we have for sale, including the newest models from the biggest brands. Brinson Powersports of Athens also serves the cities of Tyler and Jacksonville, Texas.