Are ATV Dangerous To Ride
All terrain vehicles (ATVs) have a reputation as being
dangerous, as each year, many adults and children are seriously
injured or even killed by accidents or wrecks. Just like any
vehicle, the short answer is: yes, ATVs are dangerous, the same
way cars, sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, or trucks are
dangerous. Far too often, these accidents involving ATVs come
about due to improperly using the vehicle or ignorance about the
vehicle. Riding an ATV does not guarantee an injury just as
riding in a car does not guarantee an injury; however, certain
safety precautions should be taken in order to minimize risk.
For starters, no one under the age of 16 should ride a full
sized ATV. This is a recommendation put forth by the American
Academy of Pediatrics and should be taken as law. Children under
the age of 16 do not have the development necessary for
operating a vehicle of this magnitude. There are options for
children who are interested in riding an ATV, as manufacturers
make smaller models with less powerful engines for children.
Before anyone gets on an ATV, he or she should be sure to know
the proper rules for operating the vehicle. Training courses for
ATV driving are offered all over the country, so be sure to
enroll in one before you begin operating the vehicle. Finally,
the rider should wear protective gear--including a helmet,
gloves, boots, and eye protection--to protect their body from
hazards of riding an ATV or potential accident.
Many ATV accidents occur when more than one passenger is riding
on the vehicle. ATVs are designed for only one person, and the
weight of two individuals can cause the vehicle to turn over.
Also, the distraction of having another person on the ATV can
cause the driver to wreck. Furthermore, ATVs are designed for
off road driving and should not be driven on hard surfaces like
concrete or asphalt. In addition to the hazards of riding on a
road with cars and trucks, ATVs do not perform well on hard
surfaces and are incredibly difficult to control.
Most accidents occur while the driver of the ATV is using the
vehicle improperly. This includes navigating dangerous terrain,
riding at excessive speeds, or dangerously interacting with
other individuals or ATVs. Keep in mind that your ATV is
designed to go a certain speed over certain terrain, so speeding
should be avoided at all costs, since the vehicle can tip over
or crash. Furthermore, any stunts or tricks using an ATV should
be avoided, since that is the easiest way to get injured.
While riding an ATV, be sure to have some sort of communication
device, whether it is a walkie talkie or a cellular phone that
can call for help in case of emergency.