The powersports lifestyle attracts people from all walks of life, but most of us share a passion for adventure and an insatiable thirst for adrenaline. If you love high-speed thrills and exploration, an ATV is your best friend! But of course, you can’t experience the heart-pumping excitement you crave without taking a few risks. ATV safety is all about learning how to manage those risks, so you can ride with confidence. Keep reading to learn more!

This ATV safety guide comes courtesy of Loudermilk Tractor & Cycle. Feel free to contact us with any questions! We proudly serve Ashtabula, OH, and our neighbors from Painesville.

Gear Up

ATV safety gear is never negotiable. Your ensemble should always include a helmet, gloves, riding boots, and clothing made with sturdy materials. Long sleeves and pants are highly recommended, along with a durable jacket. You can also select a full-body riding suit with built-in armor. If your helmet does not feature a visor, you will need some other form of eye protection, like goggles.

Inspect Your ATV

Maintenance should not be overlooked as an important safety issue. Make sure to complete the following checks before each ride:

• Examine the tires, looking for signs of damage or excessive wear.
• Check and adjust the tire pressure as needed.
• Test the controls, and make sure all the connections and cables are intact.
• Confirm that all the chain links are in good shape.
• Top off the fluids as needed.

Stick to Designated Trails

We understand the temptation, but you should resist the urge to stray from the beaten path. Keep in mind that ATVs are intended for exploring backcountry trails, and bushwhacking is outside their purview. Designated off-road trails exist for a reason! This is not just for your own safety, but also for the sake of plants and wildlife in the area.

For similar reasons, you should also steer clear of paved streets when riding your ATV. Off-road vehicles are simply not designed for riding on pavement, much less navigating traffic. Only cross the road at designated trail crossings, and look both ways before doing so.

Choose the Right ATV Model

This might come as a surprise, but your choice of ATV can have an impact on safety. This mainly comes down to your experience level. As a new rider, you should stick with a less powerful ATV that will be easier to control. After all, riding an ATV requires both strength and skill, and those things only come with practice. You can always upgrade to a more advanced model when you feel ready.

Meanwhile, riders under the age of 16 should have an ATV model that is specially designed for young riders. These come in a variety of sizes, so you should have no trouble finding a good fit. Just keep in mind that children should always have adult supervision when operating an ATV.

No matter what you are looking for in an ATV, you can find it here at Loudermilk Tractor & Cycle! We welcome customers from all over the region of Erie, PA.