ATV Safety
Powersports enthusiasts everywhere love the high-octane excitement of off-roading over rough terrain. Riding on an ATV is a great way to add some action to a sunny afternoon. ATV riding isn’t without its risks, though, and the best way to reduce that is to prepare both yourself and your quad accordingly. At North County House of Motorcycles in Vista, California, we’re well-versed in the best safety practices when it comes to riding an ATV, so we’ve drawn up this quick guide to get you ready for your next adventure.
Get the Gear
While there isn’t a big market for specialized ATV gear, there are other extreme powersports with dedicated gear that can serve you well when you’re off-roading. The most important piece of gear you should invest in is a well-fitting, DOT-rated helmet. Your choices for helmets are either motorcycle helmets, which offer a full face mask but can be hot and cumbersome on the trail, or motocross helmets, which will protect you well in an impact but necessitate the additional purchase of goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris. The rest of your attire should be protective without having to be anything special. Long sleeves and pants will keep your skin free of scratches, dust and sunburn, while gloves will protect your hands and strengthen your grip on the handlebars.
A good, sturdy pair of ankle boots will protect your feet from trail hazards.
Service Your ATV
Prior to every ride, you should perform a rudimentary inspection of your ATV to see that it hasn’t sustained any damage during or after your last ride. Check your tire pressure with a gauge to see that your tires are all evenly pressured and filled to manufacturer’s specifications. You can also look for any embedded objects in the tread or uneven tread wear that indicates you may have a slow leak. Make sure your brakes are in top condition. Fill up and replace fluids, such as coolant, oil and fuel. Your ATV should also be kept to a regular maintenance schedule, just like your passenger vehicle. If you have maintenance concerns you can’t address on your own, call North County House of Motorcycles to schedule a service appointment.
Follow the Rules
Your final step to ensure safety while riding your ATV is to use common sense and caution whether you’re on a track or off-roading. Ride in good weather conditions and during daylight hours only. Never drink or use drugs before you operate your ATV. Sobriety will help you to maintain your focus and keep your reflexes sharp so you can quickly react to animals, people and obstacles that may appear in your path. If you’re on a trail, don’t go off it -- the trail is generally established in such a way to avoid interfering with the surrounding environment. Use caution on new paths and stay aware of any hikers or campers you might encounter. Never overload your ATV with more cargo or people than it’s intended to carry, as this will make steering much more difficult and increase the chance that your tire will blow out. Following these safety guidelines will keep you and others safe and content wherever you’re riding.
Remember: if your ATV needs service or parts, call our dealership to schedule a maintenance appointment with our reliable mechanics. If you’re interested in checking out some of the latest ATV models or investing in a good-quality used quad, come to our showroom to see what we’ve got in stock. North County House of Motorcycles can be found in Vista, serving the greater San Diego metro area.