ATV crashes are responsible for thousands of injuries each year. Many of these injuries result in death or permanent physical damage. Brain and spinal cord injuries are common. A very high number of these accidents involve teens and children under the age of twelve.
ATV crashes are most often the result of the driver not paying attention and using irresponsible practices. Young drivers are usually inexperienced and do not understand the dangers associated with improper operations. Many ATV operators fail to wear a helmet which is one of the top priority safety requirements. Head injuries account for the majority of ATV crash deaths.
Surprisingly, alcohol and drug use is responsible for as much as 30% of the crashes. Using an ATV while under the influence can lead to a lack of concentration and disregard for ATV safety. High speed and unsuitable areas of operation can be deadly.
Many people use their ATV on public roads which creates an increased risk of a two vehicle accident. ATVs also have a high center of gravity which contributes to instability at high speeds. Most crashes occur within the first thirty days of ownership before the operator has a chance to get comfortable with the ATV operation.
ATV Crashes – Dealing With The Consequences
Most ATV crash death and trauma occurs in minors who are age sixteen and under. Parents often fail to understand the importance of supervision and safety education. Doctors find it extremely difficult to talk to grief stricken parents after an accident has taken place.
In the case of death or permanent damage parents feel they are to blame. This is something the parent will live with for the rest of their lives. It is a sad fact that parents don’t realize the dangers before it is too late.
ATV crashes are also responsible for billions of dollars in medical expenses each year. It is a rare event when a crash does not require medical attention. This can be devastating if the family does not have insurance.
Safe ATV Practices
One should always wear a helmet and protective clothing when operating an ATV. Check your local area for rider education programs which teach rider safety. Never allow your teenager to carry a passenger and whenever possible limit riding on the public roadways.
Don’t let your child operate an ATV that is too large for them to handle and never let them operate one with only three wheels. Supervision and safety education is extremely important and could very well save your life or the life of your child.
Filed under ATV Guide, Uncategorized by on Jun 12th, 2008. Comment. 
If you’ve just purchased an ATV, it’s natural that you want to find a place to ride. Whether you’re looking for a trip you can complete in a day or seeking out a full weekend exploring the outdoors in your ATV, the chance that there’s a few ATV trails in your area for you is pretty high.
But if you’re new to the hobby, you may have a tough time knowing where the best ATV trails are, or even where trails that allow ATVs are located. Once there, you’ll want to know the rules for the area so you don’t get in trouble and so the local ATV trails remain open. There are sources of information that can help you will finding all of this information, if you know where to look.
Your Dealership
The best time to find out about local ATV trails is when you’re actually at the dealership and purchasing your ATV. Your local dealer should be run by people knowledgeable and enthusiastic about ATV riding, and thus be able to inform you about the local trails.
Some dealerships will have bulletin boards up advertising for local ATV trails and clubs. The dealership is a great place to find initial information about trails and also to find other sources of information on places to ride.
Riding Clubs
The best source of information about local ATV trails is through ATV clubs, which can provide detailed information to members about where to ride as well as organized outings, which is great for new ATV riders who want to learn more about the sport.
One place to start this search is on the Internet with the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA). The ATVA has a listing of associated clubs in your area as well as some of their own brief reviews on places to ride nationwide.
Your best bet, though, is to use the ATVA to locate your own club. Nothing beats face-to-face conversation with another enthusiast in order to find out about great ATV trails. Keep in mind that many ATV club members are also very enthusiastic about riding safety and about taking care of their trails.
Expect to have an emphasis on riding without tearing up the trails; serious ATV enthusiasts want to keep their trails open. With a little research and a little legwork finding your local ATV enthusiasts and clubs, you will be on the way to a beautiful, scenic trail ride that can provide fun and challenge for you and your ATV.
Filed under ATV Guide, Uncategorized by on Jun 9th, 2008. Comment.
ATV racing is a fast growing sport that has fans and racers alike hooked. Motorcross venues are located all across the country in practically every state. You can find about any type terrain you desire from a dirt track to cross country events which test survival skills.
Cross country is considered to be one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports you can attempt. The cross country terrain can include mud, rocks, cliffs, hills, dirt, and thick forest density. Races can last for several hours and can cover several miles.
There are many different purses available for the race winners. Small town winners can receive $1,000 while professional venues can pay $500,000 or more. Monetary rewards are usually given to first, second, and third place winners.
ATV racing is not for the feint of heart. It is a very hazardous sport which can cause personal injury or loss of life. ATV racing entrants must follow a strict set of rules and guidelines which are intended to make the sport as safe and fun as possible for all involved. All entrants are strongly encouraged to have health insurance.
Each rider is responsible for their actions as well as the actions of their pit crew and team members. Entrants agree to enter at their own risks and cannot hold anyone responsible in case of an accident or injury. These rules are strictly enforced and anyone who does not comply will be required to forfeit rights to participate. Each venue has its own set of rules so it is important to know those rules before race day.
ATV Racing – Getting Prepared
One of the most important factors in ATV racing is wearing the proper gear. A DOT or SNELL certified helmet is the most important piece of equipment you own. A full face helmet will provide the best protection. A reputable dealer can advise you on the differences in padding and protection.
Goggles should be worn under a helmet even if your helmet is full faced. Front and back body armor can protect your body in case of impact and also protects from flying objects. Long sleeve shirts with elbow pads, pants with knee pads, and gloves all serve to provide protection. Boots should always cover the ankle and provide support.
ATV racing requires constant maintenance to your ATV. It is imperative that it be inspected before and after every use. Finding a reputable dealer can make or break your chances of racing success.
Many dealers sponsor race teams and they understand the importance of keeping your machine in tip-top shape. They can also give advice on quality tires and ATV parts.
ATV racing is a sport that teaches discipline and responsibility. Unlike team sports, each rider is responsible for their own actions. They must learn to deal with disappointment and to figure out what they did wrong. They must learn to practice at every available opportunity.
This includes practicing on many different types of terrain. Getting to know your ATV and how it functions should be a top priority if you want to be a serious race contender. The important part of ATV racing is learning safety and having fun.
Filed under ATV Guide by on Jun 6th, 2008. Comment.