Safety Tips for New ATV Riders
As a new owner of an ATV, you’re probably itching to take your quad out for a ride on the trails. Before you hit the road though, you need to take the right precautions that will guarantee you a safer experience. That’s why having a set of safety guidelines is your best bet for reducing unwanted risks as you get better acquainted with your ATV.
Schnelker Marine & Powersports of New Haven, IN strives to foster the best experiences for our customers when they purchase any of our ATVs. That’s why we’ve put together these safety tips so you can enjoy risk-free ATV fun!
Gear Up
Before you even think of pulling your ATV out of storage and getting on the road, you’ll need to have all the necessary riding gear. This means professional quality helmets, long-sleeved shirts, goggles, gloves, and all the other essentials that can prevent serious harm if you happen to take a spill. Wearing the right gear also protects you from exposure to harsh conditions, such as heavy winds, UV rays, dust and debris, that you’ll be encountering while shredding the trails. You should always aim to avoid going out for a ride if you’re lacking any of the necessary safety gear to keep you safe while riding.
Inspections
Another important aspect of ATV safety is making sure your vehicle is fully functional and road worthy. General inspections can save you a lot of problems in the future and help you with your routine upkeep, as well. Try to make a habit of checking the condition of your tires, battery, and even your headlights before each trip so you can avoid any danger. It’s also a good practice to routinely check and change your oil and other lubricants, which can impede your ATV’s performance if they become contaminated or depleted. Most of these actions can be done with a bit of time and patience right from the comfort of your own garage.
Avoid Paved Roads
It’s vital to remember that your off road vehicle does not belong on paved roads where standard vehicles traverse. ATVs are much smaller than standard vehicles and cannot sustain a crash with one coming at high speeds. It may also be more difficult for other drivers to detect you in higher vehicles if you’re on a paved road which, again, could place you in harm’s way. Given an ATV’s tire tread,which is engineered for rougher terrains, you may even find that your maneuverability becomes compromised once you’ve entered onto a paved roadway. For the safety of you and other drivers, try to remain on a designated ATV path.
Visit us in New Haven today if you’re ready to purchase your dream ATV. We’re happy to assist all shoppers from Fort Wayne and Auburn, IN as well.