ATVs (all terrain vehicles), also known as 4-wheelers or quads, are incredibly fun and exhilarating to drive and ride. However, they can also be dangerous, and people who ride them should take serious precaution and understand all risks involved.
ATVs were first introduced in 1970, and as their popularity has risen exponentially, so has the number of injuries and deaths related to the vehicles. According to the U.S Product Consumer Safety Commission, in the year 2014 approximately 93,700 ATV accidents that required an emergency room visit occurred – a quarter of which involved kids under the age of 16. In the same year, 385 individuals lost their lives as a result of ATV accidents.
Below are several precautions to take into consideration before heading out on an ATV adventure.
- Control your speed.
- Understand you are not invincible.
- Avoid seriously steep slopes. Many accidents occur when you mix steep slopes and heavy speeds because the ATV can overturn and crush the driver.
- Consider weight distribution. It is not advised to carry a passenger on an ATV, but many do. Having a passenger can cause the back of your vehicle to become too weight heavy flip over.
- Invest in good safety equipment. If you are going to be an ATV owner, you must buy appropriate gear to keep yourself as safe as possible. This includes a good helmet, chest plate, wrist, elbow and kneepads, non-skid boots and goggles.
- Read the manual and take a valid safety course.
- Carry a cell phone or other type of communication device.
- Don’t go out alone.
- Don’t ride after dark.
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