STAYING SAFE ON YOUR ATV

Americans love the ATV. The fun-factor of these modern mules has powered ATVs out of the farm and into mainstream America. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there are currently eight million ATVs roaming America’s backcountry. This June, the city of St. Anthony, Idaho, is making a Guinness Book of World Records bid by hosting 2,276 four-wheelers for what they hope will be the world’s largest ATV parade.

But this dramatic increase in the popularity of four-wheelers has also meant more accidents, particularly among young riders. Children under 16 accounted for about a quarter of the over 90 ATV deaths reported in Idaho since 1982. In the past two months, ATV accidents have claimed the lives of two people in Idaho and two others were seriously injured. These accidents highlight the need for safety precautions to help make ATV riding a safe and responsible activity.

Bob Wilkes, an employee at the Pocatello ATV dealer Intermountain Marine, says the following things get most people into trouble when riding ATVs:

-Riding too fast. Just like in a car, you should ride to the conditions.

-Climbing and descending steep hills. You should ride to your experience. Wilkes recommends riders take the Idaho State Parks & Recreation hands-on ATV safety course. This course focuses on the safe operation of your particular type of ATV. According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, drivers with this kind of formal training have a lower injury risk than drivers with no formal training. You can find details about and register for the Parks & Recreation ATV safety course by visiting www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov. You can also call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 1-208-334-4199.

-Two or three people riding on a single-person ATV. Unless an ATV is specifically built for it, carrying a passenger or riding as a passenger is a big mistake. The reason is simple. ATVs are designed for interactive riding; drivers must be able to shift their weight freely in all directions, depending on the situation or the terrain. Passengers hamper a driver’s ability to respond smoothly to changing conditions.

-Not wearing a helmet. “You wear a helmet snowmobiling,” Wilkes said, “so why not on an ATV?” Make sure the helmet is certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation and/or the Snell Memorial Foundation. In addition to a helmet, riders should wear over-the-ankle boots, goggles, gloves, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt to protect against cuts and abrasions. While this gear can’t protect ATV riders completely, it can significantly reduce the chances of being injured.

Wilkes also offers the following advice for safe ATV riding:

-First time riders should, “Go with an experienced rider who can show them the do’s and don’ts.”

-Learn the terrain before you ride. There could be a hidden drop off on the trial.

-Ride with an ATV safety flag. They’re great for making yourself visible when riding up and down hills, but Wilkes recommends using one at all times.

The U.S. Product Safety Commission offers these additional ATV safety tips:

-Never drive ATVs on paved roads. Because of the way they’re made, ATVs are difficult to control on paved roads. Also, collisions with cars, buses, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles are highly possible on paved roads. Many fatalities involving ATVs occur on paved roads.

-Kids should not drive or ride on adult ATVs. Children under 16 on adult ATVs are twice as likely to be injured as children riding youth ATVs.

-Don’t drive ATVs while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time and judgment, two skills essential for safe ATV use.

Whether you’re riding an ATV for work or pleasure, for leisurely touring or running full-bore on a challenging trail, following a few safety tips can help ensure every ATV ride is a safe ride.