Tips for Safe ATV Riding

Before you head out for your next ATV thrills, make sure you’re following all the best safety practices. You should be prioritizing preventative measures so that even if the worst does happen and you take a spill or you find yourself stuck in the middle of a trail, you’ll have a good strategy to minimize the damage. To help you out, Destination Powersports has provided some of our most important safe riding practices. If you still need the perfect four-wheeler, stop by our location in Punta Gorda, Florida to browse our ATVs for sale. We proudly serve the communities of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and all of Florida.

Invest in your Equipment

Before you go anywhere near your ATV, make sure you’re wearing all the right gear. And not just the right gear in name only, but gear that’s been proven to protect you. Consider the most important piece of safety equipment you’ll want to be wearing, your helmet. Just because you have a helmet that covers your head and face (and you should be wearing a helmet that covers your head and face), doesn’t mean that it’ll actually hold up when you need it most. Find a helmet that’s been tested and certified to provide the right amount of security from debris and accidents.

This applies to the rest of your riding gear as well. From your eye protection to your riding clothes to your gloves to your boots, you’ll want to make sure everything you’re wearing is made of durable material that will not only last for a long time but will also provide enough protection in the event of an accident.

Maintain your ATV

Next, before you leave for the trails, make sure your ATV is fit for travel as well. You’ll want to do a quick once over to make sure there aren’t any areas of concern that might need to be looked at before you head out. This may include checking tire quality and pressure, brakes, oil, fuel, and any other parts you feel need a second glance. You’ll also want to take your ATV in for regular inspection from a professional, like the ones you’ll find at Destination Powersports.

Always Follow Best Practices

Once you’re on the trail, you’ll want to be following some safe riding practices. Firstly, never ride while inebriated, whether it’s because of alcohol, recreational drugs, or certain prescription medications (talk to your doctor about any medication you may be using and whether it’s safe for you to be operating an ATV). You’ll also want to limit any distractions, including your cell phone. Cell phones can be helpful in the event your vehicle breaks down or you have an emergency, but when you’re riding, stow it out of sight or turn it off. We also highly recommend you don’t go out on the trails alone. Ask a group of friends or family members to join you. This will provide you more security in the event that something happens. It’s also a good idea to inform someone back home of where you’ll be and when you intend to be home, so someone can know right away if there’s cause for alarm.

Know your Limits

Firstly, know your personal limits. Never try a trail if you’re not totally confident you can handle it or that you’ll be challenging yourself in a dangerous way. If it’s a trail you’ve never traveled before, consider how fast you can comfortably go, not knowing when there might be an obstacle up ahead. Also, decide under what conditions you may want to head home. What kind of weather are you comfortable riding in? How long before sunset will you want to call it quits? Better to figure these things out ahead of time than getting caught off guard.

Also, listen to your body’s signals. If you’re tired, hungry, or dehydrated, take a break to tend to your personal needs. If you’re ill or think you might be getting sick, stay home. There’s nothing more miserable than trying to force yourself to have a good time when all your body wants to do is rest.

Finally, think about your ATV’s limits. Most ATVs are only equipped to handle one person, with a few exceptions. Whether your vehicle is built for one or two, don’t overload it with too many passengers. If there’s more weight on your ATV than it’s designed to handle, you may find it more difficult to control.

As fun as an ATV outing can be, you’ll want to make sure you’re being smart and safe while you’re on the trails. If you need more advice, or if your ATV is ready for its regular inspection, stop by Destination Powersports in in Punta Gorda, Florida and let us know how we can help you. We welcome all patrons from the areas of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and all of Florida.