As the popularity of ATVs continues to surge across the United States, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first – especially for youth riders. Many young riders are beginners, eager to hit the trails for an exciting adventure. While responsible riding is a good start, it’s not enough to ensure their safety. We all know how exhilarating it can be to tear up some trails through rough terrain on an ATV, but we also know the dangers that can arise when beginners aren’t experienced or careful. That’s why seasoned riders have put together a list of 9 proven tips that can act as a go-to guide for youth ATV safety.
Here you’ll find everything from basic safety equipment and riding techniques to advanced trail strategies that will keep young riders safe on the trails. Whether you’re a parent, a youth rider, or just someone interested in the world of ATVs, these tips are sure to be valuable.
1. Find designated trails for youth ATV safety
Not all terrains or trails are meant for ATVs. Find state-approved courses, riding areas or trails designated for ATV riding. Trust us—you will get the fun and thrill you want on those trails. You can choose between mountainous and forest trails, but when riding with young ones, avoid unfamiliar trails with your ATV. For beginners, playing it safe will be the best decision you can make. Not all trails or terrains are safe for beginners or young riders.
Check the state forest website’s ATV trails guide for the best local ride spots. There are numerous options, so you won’t run out of trails for your next adventure. To narrow down your search, enter the state you want to explore, and you’ll find the nearest trails. These trails are approved for recreational riding, which is a great way to ensure youth ATV safety.
2. Follow state laws
ATVs are meant for off-roading, so you cannot use them to travel on the road without a special permit. Never ride on paved roads except to cross where permitted. Each state has ATV rules; as a responsible rider, follow them. Driving an ATV under influence is punishable in all states. You can find the full listing of rules online in The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s official website under “ATV Safety Information Center.”
According to some experts, ATV operation may not be safe for riders under 16. Also, having prior training in operating/riding an ATV can help newer riders avoid mishaps on the trails.
Maintaining a safe speed on the trails is another way to prevent accidents. Traveling in excess of a safe, cautious speed will affect the stability of the ATV, and the vehicle is more likely to overturn during operation. Understand that some ATVs are not meant for fast riding, so watch your speed. Generally, state-approved trails have pre-set speed limits to ensure the safety of ATV riders, and you should follow them to ensure your own safety.
3. Go for a training course on youth ATV safety
As mentioned above, youth ATV training ensures safety on all terrains. There are many youth ATV safety courses available both online and in-person. These training sessions educate youth ATV riders on vehicle mechanics and terrain maneuvering. You will also learn basic first-aid and emergency procedures.
For young riders, consider enrolling in one of these courses to get certified before hitting the trails. These youth ATV courses will not only scale up safety knowledge on the trails but also level up the fun and thrill of riding.
4. Don’t forget youth ATV protective gear
A good helmet, eye protection and boots are the primary protective gear for both pro and new ATV riders. Wearing this protective gear has been mandated by law for teen riders in some states. Choose legally mandated, DOT-standard helmets and eye-gear for teen ATV riders from reliable brands.
Helmets that come with full-face coverage offer the highest protection for ATV riders. You will also find helmets with flip-down face shields for eye protection. This kind of helmet protects both the head and eyes. If the helmet doesn’t offer eye protection, then be sure to also wear protective goggles to avoid any injuries on the trails. It is important to note that normal sunglasses will not provide the kind of protection ATV riders need. Shatterproof goggles offer better protection in case of any accidents.
5. Choose the safest ATV for youth
When it comes to ATVs, the “one-size-fits-all” approach simply doesn’t work. Some full-size ATVs can weigh more than 1400 pounds and will be extremely difficult for a teen or youngster to maneuver. Parents often pick ATVs that are a little bigger than their kids, fearing they might soon outgrow them. This can affect youth ATV safety standards as the rider might fail to access the controls easily while riding the trails.
The best decision would be to choose an ATV that is meant for youth or your child’s age group. Youth riders under the age of 16 should ride smaller ATVs that are more lightweight. Riders aged 16 and above can go for larger-sized ATVs, provided they can access all the controls while sitting comfortably in the riding seat. These controls include reaching the foot pedals while sitting upright on the vehicle, gripping the handlebars, the hand controls, etc. They should also be able to move by shifting their weight from side to side and from front to back while maintaining their balance. Youth riders must be able to access the throttle and brake lever with one hand.
6. Always wear safety clothing that can act as a shield
Unlike cars, ATVs don’t have a protective cage to provide initial safety to the rider. Teens must balance on ATVs due to high centers of gravity. Safety increases with protective clothing, like full-length pants, long-sleeved shirts, jackets, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots.
7. Active supervision for youth ATV safety
Even if your child can control a kid’s bike with ease, don’t think they can do the same with an ATV. It might indicate that it’s a good time to help your child try out riding an ATV but we don’t recommend they do this independently, even while riding a short distance. Youth riders may have a good understanding of the mechanisms of an ATV, but they often lack the experience to respond to unexpected obstacles or sudden incidents. As a parent who has allowed your child to ride an ATV, you should always set some ground rules, and riding under supervision is imperative.
The best way to ensure your child rides an ATV under supervision is to become their co-rider. Always ask them to demonstrate a ride before they set out for the trails. This way, you can ensure they know the basics of ATV riding. Make sure that your teen rider always wears protective gear and clothing.
8. Pick the right co-passenger if you have to
We always recommend that youth riders explore a trail operating the ATV independently if possible. An experienced rider can follow or lead them if they want to supervise the youth rider, but riding on the same ATV is not always a good idea. This is because the weight of another rider can impact the vehicle’s handling, making it difficult for young riders to maneuver. If there is only one ATV and supervision is mandatory, it is better to take an experienced rider as a co-passenger. Another experienced operator can help newer riders learn to ride the trails better, navigate obstacles and avoid accidents, making it a truly adventurous experience.
Note, taking more co-riders than permitted by the manufacturer of the ATV can be dangerous on the trails. This can also disrupt the vehicle’s balance, causing it to topple on rugged terrain. Riding at night is also a bad idea for youth riders, especially those new to ATV riding.
Final Thoughts
Youth ATV safety covers several parameters and needs to be followed diligently to prevent trail adventures from turning into disasters. ATV riding can be fun and thrilling, but riding responsibly is crucial for all age groups, especially the youth. We at GripPRO work tirelessly to make your every ride a safe and memorable one, so we recommend using protective gear and clothing while exploring the trails.
Equipping your ATV with high-quality accessories is important, especially for securing your gear while under way. GripPRO ATV Anchors are tie down anchors used on Polaris ATV’s for securing gear, tools, coolers, equipment, etc. to your ATV/UTV. They create multiple tie down points, offer outstanding performance, and have been an industry leader in performance and sales for 7 years.
At GripPRO ATV Anchors, we aim to raise awareness about safe ATV riding practices, encouraging more parents to invest confidently in suitable ATVs and accessories for their children. If you’re interested in learning more about unforgettable ATV rider experiences, or seeking additional tips on ATV riding, follow our blog! You’ll find the best insights on ATV safety, including detailed guides on finding local trails and gear for your Polaris Ranger, General, RZR and Sportsman ATVs. And check out our tie down anchors and flag mounts for your Polaris Lock and Ride system at our site here.
Sources:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/vehicle/atv/atv-safety-tips.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/atv-safety.html
https://www.markelinsurance.com/resources/off-road/importance-of-insurance