Tips for Safe ATV and UTV Riding

Many ATV and UTV trailers are starting to open up for the summer, meaning you’ll have lots of options in the coming months and new places to explore that you couldn’t over the winter. So as more and more people hit the trails, you’ll want to make sure you’re following all the best safety protocols. That’s why North Georgia Watersports has provided you with a safety guide to help you get started. If you feel like you’ll need additional tips, stop by our location in Blairsville, Georgia, near Atlanta, Gainesville, and Blue Ridge.

Invest in your Equipment

Start off on the right foot. Wearing all the right gear and having all the right equipment is a must. The single most important gear you should own and wear every time you hit the trails is your helmet. Even if you’re just using your machine to haul some material across your property, you should still be wearing your helmet.

The relative stability that four wheels provides can create a mildly false sense of security. While you may feel like you’re untouchable, these machines can tip and they’re heavy. ATV and UTV related accidents and deaths occur in abundance every year, so get a full-face helmet that’s really going to hold up when you need it the most. You’ll also want to make sure your eyes are covered, so if your helmet doesn’t come with a face shield, you’ll want to find some goggles.

For the rest of your body, you’ll want to make sure your covered with durable material. Serious riders often invest in riding suits to provide maximum protection, but at the very least you’ll want pants and long sleeves, no matter how hot it is. You might also want gloves to protect your hands and definitely a pair of sturdy boots to hold up on any kind of terrain.

Some great additional equipment should probably include a first aid kit and basic tool kit, one to protect yourself and the other to get out of a sticky situation. You’ll want to plan so that you’re ready for as many emergency scenarios that you can think of.

Maintain your Unit

Basic maintenance can also help you avoid emergencies. Inspect your quad or side by side for any damages or other concerns that might make you want to put a hold on the day’s activities. It’s better to catch a problem closer to home than to realize you’ve got a flat tire when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Check your brakes, engine fluids, gas level, and tires, along with anything else you can see and let us know if you’re going to need a professional to help you get back in gear.

Always Follow Best Riding Practices

When you’re finally ready to ride, you’ll want to keep some basic best riding practices in mind. Never drink or use recreational drugs before riding your four wheeler or UTV. As with any heavy machinery, these kinds of substances impair your judgment to a degree that can make operating these things dangerous. There are even certain types of prescription drugs that will affect your ability to focus and make important decisions, so check with your doctor about any medications you’re taking before trying to ride one of these vehicles.

Also keep your body’s natural limits in mind as well. You’ll probably want to stop well before sundown so you don’t run out of daylight. Think about your skill level and decide what your limits are with speed, especially if you’re on a new trail. Don’t let others pressure you into pushing your limits too far and don’t pressure others just because you want to go faster. Remember, these are big, dangerous machines and an accident can have serious consequences.

Hopefully this jumpstarts a safer trail riding experience while still allowing you to enjoy all the thrills of ATV and UTV riding. If you still need the machine to ride the trails, then stop by North Georgia Watersports and let one of our experienced staff know what you’re looking for. We proudly serve Blairsville, Atlanta, Gainesville, and Blue Ridge, Georgia.