All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. There are many reasons for this. Much of the enthusiasm for the sport lies in the fact that it can be enjoyed outside, providing riders with the ability to get some fresh air and sunshine combined with an exciting experience that can be enjoyed by all members of the family, from young children to grandparents. ATVs can be ridden year-round, which also contributes to its appeal.
Unfortunately, in addition to being tremendous fun, all-terrain vehicle activities can also lead to injuries, and the more people are out there riding, the more are showing up in emergency rooms.
Some of the injuries that people are experiencing are minor bumps and bruises but others can be far more serious, with some accidents even leading to death. However, most ATV accidents are avoidable, and with the proper equipment and attention to safety you and your family can ride injury-free.
Here are some important all-terrain vehicle safety tips.
- Make sure that you have read the owner’s manual for your ATV so that you know all of the specifics for your vehicle. Follow all of the instructions and pay attention to warnings and labels.
- Make sure that you are wearing a helmet that adheres to the DOT rules, as well as goggles, over-the-ankle boots and gloves. These protective items, as well as long-sleeved shirts and long pants, can help you avoid injury.
- Do not ride your all-terrain vehicle on a paved road unless you are doing so to cross the street. If you need to cross the street, make sure that you are doing it in a crosswalk and make sure that there are no other vehicles coming.
- Do not operate your ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- If your all-terrain vehicle is a single-rider vehicle, do not carry any passengers. If your ATV is designed for two people, do not carry more than one passenger.
- Make sure that your all-terrain vehicle is the appropriate size and power for your age. Though manufacturers provide recommendations, every child has a different degree of skill, strength and judgment.
- If you are a parent, make sure that you are providing supervision for ATV riders under the age of 16.
- Only operate your all-terrain vehicle on designated trails.
- Always operate your ATV at the safest speed that conditions allow for.
- Take the time to get safety trained on an all-terrain vehicle RiderCourse. These are half-day hands-on training courses that are available all over the country. Many ATV manufacturers offer this training free with your purchase of a new vehicle.
Injuries resulting from all-terrain vehicle accidents can be life changing, so protecting yourself and your family members is important.
If someone you love has been injured or killed while riding an ATV and you believe that it was the result of another’s negligence or a product defect, contact the personal injury attorneys at Malamut & Associates. We are here to help.