5 Rules for ATV Safety
By Craig Knapp on October 3, 2015

With temperatures dropping in Arizona, many will be making their way outdoors to take advantage of the cooler weather. Among those will be ATV riders. ATVs are a fun way to get out in nature and explore, but they can also be very dangerous. Not knowing vital ATV safety rules can put yourself and others around your at serious risk. Less than a month ago a male and female ATV rider were riding on the northwest shore of Lake Pleasant and were flown via two helicopters to a nearby helicopter.

An investigator said one of the riders was found 10 feet down an embankment and the other was found 30 feet down. Fortunately both riders were wearing helmets, but both were still in critical condition when flown to the hospital.

Although it’s not a guarantee for safety, there are measures you can take to ensure a safer ride. Here are 5 rules for ATV safety:

1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
2. Do not ride on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted law. This could put you at risk of getting hit by a vehicle. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway. Instead, ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving an ATV is the same as driving a vehicle, you should never do so impaired.
4. Do not carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV. The same goes for ATVs designed for two people. For your safety, keep it at only two people.
5. Riders younger than 16 should be supervised closely. ATVs are not toys and can do a lot of harm if not driven properly. Riders can take safety classes through various companies online for added safety, particularly with younger riders.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers an online course developed to meet the standards for OHV rider safety education established by Arizona. You can learn more about this course here.

If you have been injured in an accident with an ATV or any other car accident, don’t wait to call a Phoenix injury lawyer at Knapp & Roberts. A serious accident can have extreme consequences, but we will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.