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ATV Safety Guide

Jul. 7 2020 Safety By Car Corral Polaris®

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Riding an ATV is a thrilling experience that many people enjoy, especially during the summer months. There are off-roading areas spread throughout Illinois that you can explore with your family and friends, as well as nature trails that permit ATV usage.

But riding an ATV is an inherently risky activity, so it’s important that you take the time to brush up on safety practices. Riding responsibly and following the rules will help you to keep yourself safe, as well as the environment and other people around you.

Car Corral Polaris®, with locations in Carmi and Flora, is your Illinois ATV dealer. Here are just a few of the basics when it comes to following good ATV safety practices.

Wear Protective Gear

One essential safety precaution you’ll want to take when riding an ATV is to wear the right protective gear. The most important piece of gear is a well-fitting helmet designed for high-impact extreme sports riding. Motocross helmets and motorcycle helmets are the most common choices. If your helmet doesn’t have a full face mask to shield you from debris, make sure you also invest in a pair of goggles for eye protection.

The rest of your attire should keep your skin covered to reduce abrasions. Long sleeves, sturdy pants, riding gloves with good grip and a pair of ankle boots with good tread that have the laces tucked in are advisable. 

Maintain Your ATV

Another crucial component of ATV safety is having a well-maintained vehicle that’s in good condition. Make sure you’re following the practices in your owner’s manual when it comes to oil changes and other types of maintenance. Before every ride, you’ll want to check the condition and pressure of your tires, test signals and lights and make sure that nothing seems amiss with your ATV. When your vehicle requires some professional maintenance, contact the service department here at Car Corral Polaris® so we can schedule you an appointment with our mechanics.

Pack Supplies

Your ATV isn’t super-spacious, but you’ll still want to take time to stock it with a few crucial supplies.

  • Water and a few snacks will help you stay hydrated and alert.
  • Your cell phone and charger keeps you connected in case you get stranded and need assistance.
  • An emergency radio can serve as backup communication.
  • An ATV toolkit allows you to make repairs as you’re off-roading. Stock it with screwdrivers, wrenches, a flashlight, tire patches and an air compressor.
  • A road map of the area can help you to avoid getting lost.
  • A first-aid kit stocked with bandages, medications and ointments will help you to address minor trail injuries and illnesses.

Follow The Rules

Finally, wherever you’re off-roading, it’s important to follow the rules of that area and be respectful of other riders, as well as hikers, campers, nearby residents and the animals that live in and around the area. 

Always ride your ATV while sober and alert. Using alcohol or recreational drugs hampers your focus and makes you more likely to take risks. 

If you’re on prescription medications that could affect your ability to operate heavy machinery, then check with your doctor to make sure that ATV riding is safe for you.

Finally, avoid riding alone so that you always have a buddy with you to help address injuries or an ATV breakdown.

We hope these tips help you to enjoy off-roading in your ATV this summer! Browse our website to see the full selection of new and used ATVs we have for sale at our two Illinois dealership locations. We even provide financing options for those who would like to make use of them to fund their ATV purchase. Car Corral Polaris® proudly serves the cities of Flora and Carmi, IL.