ATV Safety Gear
ATVs are a great way to add more excitement to your adventures, but they can be dangerous if you aren’t prepared. Whether you’re cruising down rocky mountain trails or carving up the sand dunes, you’ll want to make sure you are equipped with the right four-wheeler safety gear. Here at Nielsen Enterprises, we want our customers to have everything they need to make their trip a fun and safe experience. In that spirit, we have created this short guide with a selection of what we consider to be the most important gear and best practices for staying safe on the trails. For all your ATV needs, give us a call or visit our dealership in Lake Villa, Illinois. We welcome all our patrons from Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Gear & Apparel
Before you even take out your quad, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing all the right gear that covers your entire body, from long sleeves and pants to gloves and boots. Make sure that the gear will actually hold up in an accident. Your clothes will need to be made out of durable material, and you can invest in riding clothes specifically designed for powersports users. This includes your boots and your gloves as well. You might be tempted to use regular shoes if you are only going for a short ride, but remember that if your quad gets stuck in the mud, you’ll want to have a secure footing when you try to push it back out.
Helmet
The most important part of your riding equipment will obviously be your helmet. Make sure to spend some extra time shopping for a helmet so that you get one that fits correctly and doesn’t slide around or pinch your head. You’ll want your helmet to be thoroughly tested to ensure it will provide you with the right amount of protection. Check to see if your helmet has been certified by a reputable testing agency before buying it.
Emergency Kit
When you hit the trail, it’s critical to have an emergency kit on hand. What you bring in your kit depends on where and how you ride, but, in general, you’ll want to make sure you have a good first-aid kit, a sturdy knife, duct tape, extra water and food, a flashlight, fire-starter, and a signal device.
Essential Tools
Packing a few simple tools along with you can be extremely helpful if your four-wheeler breaks down in a remote area that’s not easily accessible. A few tools like screwdrivers, a wrench, a small socket set, and a set of Allen keys can help you to perform small fixes on your own. It’s a good idea to carry these tools so that you’re prepared for any unexpected surprises on the trails.
Riding Safety
Once you’re on the trail, you’ll want to make sure you’re following the best practices to have a safe ride. Never ride if your judgment is impaired, whether it’s from recreational drugs and alcohol or certain prescription medications. You’ll also want to minimize distractions, so make sure to put your cell phone away when you’re riding. Be careful while riding, especially when you’re in a new area where you’ve never been before.
Also, make sure you’re not overloading your ATV. Most models are equipped to handle only one person, with a few exceptions. Because of this, never carry more passengers than your ride can accommodate. It will make controlling it much more difficult and riding more hazardous for everyone involved.
Hopefully, this guide helps you to prepare for a safe trip! Plan ahead, invest in the right ATV safety gear and stay vigilant when you hit the trail. If you’re still looking for the perfect ATV, then stop by Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, IL. We proudly serve those in Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI.