ATV Safety Tips for a Safer Summer

At All-Star Insurance Brokers Inc., we’re well aware that summer in Aurora, CO, signifies outdoor adventure, including riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Despite the thrill they offer, these off-road, four-wheeled motorized vehicles also pose significant risks.

The Risks Associated with ATVs

We’ve previously addressed the dangers of ATVs in our blog on recreational toy facts, noting their high rate of accidents. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports approximately 800 annual deaths and about 100,000 severe injuries linked to ATV accidents.

Safety Tips for a Safer ATV Ride

Today, we’re providing safety tips that ATV owners can follow to decrease potential risks while using ATVs. This, in turn, could minimize claims on your recreational insurance. Our suggestions come from the ATV Safety Institute and the CPSC.

• Always wear the recommended safety gear, including a DOT-compliant helmet and goggles.
• Dress in long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and wear over-the-knee boots when you ride.
• Make sure to use driving gloves.
• Avoid driving on paved roads. Use ATVs only on designated trails, typically made of dirt or grass. If a paved road must be crossed, only do so in marked legal areas.
• Maintain a safe ATV speed.
• Remember to seat only one person on a single-seat ATV and strictly two individuals on a two-seat ATV. Never exceed the maximum passenger limit specified by the manufacturer.
• Ensure the ATV suits the rider’s age group. Youth should not be riding adult ATVs. Instead, make a youth model ATV accessible for each child or teen rider.
• Supervise riders younger than 16 years old during their ride. Data from 2018 to 2020 reveals that 300 fatalities were children aged under 16.
• Never drink and ride. Avoid operating an ATV under the influence of drugs.

Before riding an ATV, consider taking a hands-on training course from a certified instructor. The ATV Safety Institute offers a free online course to kickstart your learning journey.

Contact Us Today

At All-Star Insurance Brokers Inc., we hope you never need to file a claim on your recreational insurance policy. While ATVs are commonly referred to as motorized toys, they should not be taken lightly. Adhering to necessary precautions is vital to riding safely. Contact us today to ensure your ATVs are safe and take the first step toward ensuring safety.