My grandfather used to say, “You will never know how much something means to you until you lose it.” That’s true in business, in life, and absolutely true when it comes to riding off-road. You might not put much thought into ATV protective gear, until you need it the most—and don’t have it.
These days, I hear all the time about unfortunate accidents in the off-road community. Riders forego a helmet. We think, “It’s never going to happen to me.” And with the advent of the side-by-side, riders of all levels believe they are invincible. Not.
This problem is completely solvable. All it takes is a little thought and care—and the right equipment. Start with these three simple steps.
Buy a Good Helmet
It’s a bad idea to get the cheapest head gear. You might argue, “At least I have a helmet on my head.” But if the $69 helmet merely breaks apart or causes more harm than good, then you’re only deceiving yourself.
First, make sure the helmet has Department of Transportation (DOT) certification. It’s easy to identify the DOT certificate decal on the back. Go further by insisting on a certification from the Snell Foundation, as well as the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). These certifications means the helmet has been put through a barrage of safety tests and is proven to successfully protect its owner.
It sounds simplistic, but the the purpose of the helmet is to protect your head. Buying based on price alone could leave you and your ATV-riding child unprotected. Spending a few more dollars and conducting a little more research could make the difference between walking away from accident unscathed and serious injury. This is a great helmet, and we also recommend this excellent closeout helmet.
Wear Eye Protection
It’s insane to me that so many people ride without eye protection in an ATV or a side-by-side vehicle. People: you only get one set of eyes for your entire life. A good set of shatter-resistant goggles on dusty or muddy trails will not only help you see where you are going, but can keep branches or muddy rocks from damaging your eyes. Eye protection is a no-brainer.
Consider this pair of Accuri AAA goggles or these EKS X brand Fade Volcano Series goggles.
Take Your Time to Learn
A quick web search will reveal a long list of educational outlets to help you become a better rider. Many of the classes are free, courtesy of off-road vehicle manufacturers. Take advantage of them and share what you learn with others.
Education is especially important for children learning to ride their own ATV. Be patient. Give them the time needed to grasp the key concepts. Be a good leader by not pushing your family or friends to do things that could get them hurt—just for an immediate and temporary thrill. Help them understand different types of terrain and overcome trail obstacles. They will be looking to you for acceptance, but teach them to watch the trail first.
Study how your machine reacts to various trail obstacles. And most of all, take it slow and easy as you hone your skills. There’s no need to rush. By taking the right safety precautions, you’ll have a lifetime of ATV fun ahead of you.
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