ATVs have a reputation as a sort of easy-going, sporty vehicle. This doesn't mean that you should have a casual attitude towards personal safety. Like any other motor vehicle, riding an ATV carries many risks. Insurance providers will give you better rates if you can show that you have taken an ATV safety course, which you should do before you start getting seriously into the hobby. Hundreds of deaths occur every year in relation to ATVs, and the numbers are increasing every year. Part of this is due to the rapidly increasing popularity of the sport, but it also indicates a lack of safety concern among riders.
ATVs can move faster than 60 miles per hour, and often weigh more than 700 pounds. Although popular among young teenagers and adults, they are still potentially dangerous vehicles. Just because they are allowed by law to drive them doesn't mean that they aren't dangerous. Before you start using your ATV in unpredictable off-road conditions, you should get accustomed to driving it on groomed trails or roads. The vehicles can tip over relatively easily when used improperly at high speeds, leading to potentially catastrophic injuries. Children suffer a substantial portion of injuries and fatalities related to ATV usage - don't encourage unsupervised driving among children until they have a good grasp of ATV driving skills. If you plan to use an ATV on roads with cars and motorcycles with any sort of frequency, getting your ATV insured will be a good idea. Insurance also keeps you covered against any injuries on others that might be caused by your ATV. |
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