Preventing an Accident in Your ATV

While riding a powersports vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is enjoyable and rewarding, it can also be quite dangerous if you don’t manage the risks. Accidents happen, but there are several steps you can take to prevent them from occurring. In fact, we’ve gathered up some of those steps here for you to ensure that you’re doing what you can to lower the risk that you’ll get in an accident while riding your ATV.

Remain Visible

Sometimes, accidents occur because other riders cannot see you and you can’t see them. That’s why making yourself visible is so important. Wear brightly-colored riding gear or at least a neon vest or tape on top of what you generally wear so that you’re visible. Outfit your ATV with lights that you can use in dim conditions. Wearing something like a blaze-orange safety vest on top of your clothing is especially helpful if you’re wearing obscuring attire such as camouflage for hunting.

Bring Tools

You’ll also want to be sure that you have the right tools to handle making repairs on your ATV while you’re at the trail or riding area. Having some tools with you will let you fix up your ATV so that you can keep riding without an incident when you notice a problem.

Don’t Take Undue Risks

While riding your ATV is inherently risky, you can actually avoid some risks that will help to prevent an accident. 

First and foremost, always ride sober. Using alcohol or recreational drugs before you operate heavy machinery such as your ATV can put you at serious risk because your inhibitions are lowered and your reaction time is slowed. 

Secondly, stay within your limits. If you’re a beginner, don’t attempt jumps or maneuvers that are best for an experienced rider to perform.

Third, ride in good weather and during daylight hours. While you may be riding in the early morning or in the evening at times, avoid riding at night when it’s impossible to see obstacles in your path.

Keep Your ATV Maintained

Finally, you need to ensure that your ATV is never in bad shape before a ride. Always perform a thorough inspection of your powersports vehicle before you load it into your trailer for a trip to the trail. If anything is amiss, you need to fix it or get it fixed as soon as possible. Check the tire pressure, change oil and filters, replenish fuel and tighten loose connections. 

If you need some professional assistance with ATV maintenance, get in touch with the Crossroad Powersports service department. When you schedule an appointment with us, our mechanics will be able to look over your quad and determine what’s wrong so we can have you back on the road as soon as possible. 

Ready to shop for an ATV? Come see us at our dealership in Upper Darby, PA, to view our inventory of new and used ATVs for sale. Crossroad Powersports serves our customers in the cities of Philadelphia, PA, and Wilmington, DE.