Tips for Youth ATV Safety
ATV riding can be
a great pastime for a child, and if they follow the proper safety precautions,
it can be a safe one as well. Many children and adults are injured every year
from the result of ATV accidents, and many of these injuries are preventable if
the riders had only taken the proper safety precautions. Children are
especially prone to injure themselves when riding an ATV because they do not
have the skills and maturity level of an adult. ATV’s are powerful machines and
children can have a hard time controlling them as well. This is not to say that
ATV’s are not suitable for children, but children should follow some safety
tips to reduce their chances of being injured while on their ATV.
Children should
be taught the correct way to use an ATV before they are allowed to ride and
should understand the safe way to operate one before they ride. They should
know that an ATV is not a toy and can be very dangerous. Children should be
taught the correct way to turn, brake, and how to control the ATV. Many places
require minors to take a training course, and even if your area does not it is
still a good idea. These courses will teach your child how to safely ride an
ATV and will give them experience handling one.
Wearing safety
gear is the best way to prevent injury. Children should always wear helmets and
other safety gear whether it is required by law or not. They should also wear
goggles and gloves to protect their hands and eyes. Apparel designed with
durability in mind is also important as durable pants and jackets will prevent
many scrapes and abrasions in the event of a fall. Children should not wear
baggy clothing while riding as it can be caught or pulled in the engine and
cause injury.
Children should
know safe places to ride and always ride with supervision. They should not be
allowed to ride near roadways, train tracks, or on paved surfaces. Riding near
cars is extremely dangerous and illegal in many areas. Riding on pavement is
also dangerous as ATV’s are designed to run on dirt and can easily spin out of
control on pavement or cement. Train tracks can also be hazardous and cause an
ATV to flip over or get stuck.
You should know
your child’s ability and they should only ride at a speed and on terrain that
is suitable to their experience level. Accidents frequently occur when a child
is riding faster than they should or on terrain that is too challenging for
them. Make sure you child is experienced enough to handle the terrain and speed
they are traveling.
Children should
not be allowed to take passengers as this is another practice that causes
accidents. Passengers can distract a child driver and make the ATV harder to
maneuver. Children should also be involved in the maintenance of their ATV and
should only ride their ATV if it is in safe working condition. If children
follow these safety rules, they should have a safe and enjoyable time with
their ATV.
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