Tips for Safe ATV Riding

Not afraid to hit the trails no matter the weather? We know there are some people who can ride their ATV regardless of how cold or hot it is. But whether you’re an extreme sportsman, or you just like the occasional thrill, you’ll want to make sure you’re prioritizing safety. For those who need help getting started, or if you’d just like a refresher, Peak Powersports has provided some of our tips and tricks for safe riding. If you’re still looking for the perfect ATV, or if yours needs an upgrade to handle certain seasons a little better, stop by our location in Sheridan, Wyoming to see what we can do for you.

Invest in your Equipment

You’ll want to make sure you’re wearing all the best gear. First, you’ll want to be wearing a helmet that properly protects you. This means one that covers your entire face and has been thoroughly tested and certified to hold up in the event of a crash. If your helmet doesn’t come with a face shield, you’ll want to invest in a good pair of goggles to keep your eyes safe.

The rest of your body will need to be protected as well. This means wearing proper riding clothes that are durable and long-lasting. If you know it’s going to be cold, don’t go out and buy a thick riding jacket. Simply layer the clothes you wear underneath your riding clothes to provide more insulation for your body. Throw in a proper pair of riding boots and riding gloves and you should be completely covered and ready for action.

Maintain your ATV

But there’s one more thing that needs to be covered before you hit the trails, and that’s checking your ATV. Give your ATV a once over before you head out to see if you can spot any potential problems, like a tire that’s not properly inflated, or brakes that don’t respond right away. On top of this, you’ll also want to take your ride in for regular maintenance checks from a professional, like you’ll find at Peak Powersports.

Always Follow Best Practices

Now that you’re ready for the trails, make sure you’re following the best safety practices. Start by making sure you’ll be focused enough while riding. If your judgment is impaired from alcohol, recreational drugs, or prescription medication, then avoid riding your ATV. Even if you’re too tired or sick to focus, anything that could draw your undivided attention away from the trail could lead to a serious accident, so just stay home. Take breaks when you need to rest or need to rehydrate and always air on the side of caution when it comes to more challenging trails.

Know your Limits

On top of making sure you’re taking breaks when you need them, make sure you establish some other limits as well. Consider what you’ll want to be thinking about when you approach a new trail. Is it going to be too challenging? How fast will you want to go? At what point will you decide to turn around? How will the weather or setting sun affect when you call it quits? It’s a good idea to establish these things ahead of time so there are no surprises.

Also make sure you’re keeping the limits of your ATV in mind. If your ATV is only equipped to handle one or two passengers, don’t add any more. Overloading your ride can make it difficult to control and creates hazardous riding conditions.

As fun as ATVs are, you’ll want to be prioritizing your safety and the safety of those around you. For those who are in need of regular maintenance, schedule a service appointment with Peak Powersports in Sheridan, Wyoming.