UTV Safety Tips

A UTV is your ticket to adrenaline rushes and thrilling rides. But if you aren't careful, it could also be your ticket to expensive mechanic bills or a trip to the doctor. A side by side is a powerful machine that does come with a safety risk. We gathered up the top UTV safety tips below. If you need any maintenance or are looking to buy, visit Crossroad Powersports. We are located in Upper Darby near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Drive Sober

A side by side is a massive beast of a machine. It's not something to take lightly. You need your full mental faculties to stay in control of your UTV. Never hit the road unless you are fully sober. This extends beyond alcohol. Some prescription medications can impair your ability to focus, make snap judgments, and other aspects of riding safely. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to get the all clear before mixing your medications and a side by side.

Wear the Proper Attire

It's no surprise that every ride needs to wear a helmet when inside the UTV. But it's not enough to wear a helmet. You need a crash-tested, well-fitting one to get the full protection you seek. There aren't many specialty side by side helmets, so you can go with Motocross helmets. They are built to be lightweight and breathable, which is perfect for long hours in nature. But they are also built to provide protection during a high-speed crash, which provides the coverage you need. Some helmets come with a visor for face protection. If yours doesn't, you'll want to throw on a pair of goggles. It'll keep dust, debris, and dirt from getting into your eye.

Riders should also wear gloves, long sleeve shirts, and pants. You want your skin protected from the sun (and it offers slight protection against scrapes in a crash). Always wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from the hazards of the road. Ideally, use boots that go to the ankle.

Safe Riding with Kids

One great benefit of a side by side is its high passenger capacity. Some UTV models can seat up to six passengers, which makes it easy to bring kids along for a thrilling ride. But there are some restrictions that play a role in safe driving. 

Any kid that needs a car seat in a car needs to stay home. Check your state's laws as some have age restrictions for riding a UTV. Or they may require kids to go through a safety course first. Always take kids out with an adult. If you trust your teen to drive the side by side, set boundaries and ensure they are ready to drive safely.

Stick to the Path

It may seem appealing to deviate from the set trail and explore that bend over there. But resist the urge! There's a reason the path is established the way it is. There could be hidden hazards you don't know about...until you hit them. You could experience damage to your side by side (or even worse, yourself!) that would have been easy to avoid. Stay on the trail for a safe, fun ride!

Part of safe riding is keeping your UTV well-maintained. If you are experiencing any issues, bring your side by side to the service department at Crossroad Powersports. We can identify the issue and get it repaired in no time. We also offer a range of new and used UTVs for sale if you are looking to buy. We proudly serve those in Upper Darby and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as Wilmington, Delaware and Deptford Township, New Jersey.