ATV riding season is here! Whether you’re getting the quad ready for the weekend or thinking about joining this most popular sport, keep in mind that ATV riding, while fun, can be dangerous. It can be easy to think of riding an ATV as little more than driving a car. It’s not.
If you’re new to quad riding knowing universally accepted safety tips is invaluable to keeping you on four wheels and welcomed by other riders. Now, if you’re a veteran of the trail, little is more valuable than a refresher course in common sense quad riding.
Our West Virginia ATV accident lawyers have put together 10 Quick Safety Tips for ATV Trail Riding as a way to remind and educate you when you’re blazing around on your quad. Some are obvious and straightforward. Others you might think, that’s bendable, but somewhere at some time it took an accident for common sense to prevail.
Always wear safety gear. Helmets, goggles, boots, gloves – the works. There are no seatbelts on an ATV and flipping over is a lot easier than you might think.
Check the tires for wear and rims for damage. Look over your controls and make sure connections and cables are intact. Check the chain for worn links and sprockets for broken teeth and ensure there’s enough lubrication.
Participating in any sport or activity where accidents can and do happen, it’s never a good idea to do it alone. Always have a riding buddy and better – have two. Running out of gas, getting lost or crashing is never any fun but it’s worse and can be life threatening if you’re alone.
It’s not safe in a car and it’s not safe on an ATV. It’s no secret – alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and your ability to ride safely. Don’t put yourself in jeopardy and don’t put others at risk for your risky behavior.
ATV riding is actually a great way to exercise. It demands strength and mental acuity. Over time however, those bumps, jumps and tight corners wear down even the strongest dudes. If you can feel fatigue setting in, stop riding and take a break. Even if you don’t feel tired, if you’ve been riding all day, take a break, rehydrate and fuel up with some lunch.
Unless you’re riding an ATV equipped for two-people, only one person on a quad at any time. No piggy-backing or side riding.
Don’t ride your ATV anywhere but a designated riding area. Not only is this for the safety of others and prevents unnecessary wear and tear to your machine, but it’s also being a good steward of the sport. Ride where it’s legal.
What’s the right ATV? As a general rule, only 90cc and larger engines for those 16 years and older.
Know your surroundings. Look ahead just like driving a car so you can see what’s coming. Bumps are fun but when you hit one unexpectedly you can get bounced right off your ride. Look out for animals jumping out in front of your riding path and be cognizant of other riding parties.
Probably one of the top reason riders get hurt. Whether it’s showing off, trying to see what their quad can do or just plain stupidity, don’t ride beyond your ability or perform stunts and tricks you have no business doing.
The tips above are obvious and obvious for a reason. Most, if not all, are practically unwritten rules in ATV world. Safety is always a priority and most rules factor in safety for you and others.
If you or a loved one suffered injury in an ATV accident due to another party’s negligence, contact a West Virginia personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options for legal recourse. A lawyer can also help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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