When you're going on a trail with a bunch of your fellow ATVers, it's easy to get caught up in the speed and the enjoyment of the sights and forget about safety. Off-roading is dangerous, even in good conditions and with wide trails, particularly when you're driving in a convoy.
Give each other plenty of space, similar to the amount you would give an automobile. If there's a problem with the ATV or it gets caught on a rock, and one starts to tumble, the injuries to multiple people in line can be bad. Using hand signals can help prevent accidents from happening. Be sure that your group is well appraised of the various universal hand signals to signify turning, starting and stopping. It's not always a good idea to travel in massive ATV groups. Generally it is safer to break up into smaller groups of 2-3 riders each. The amount of dust kicked up on hot summer days by large convoys of ATVs can make it difficult to see and cause accidents. Plus, it makes it less fun. Nobody likes having to wear a face mask or sucking in mouthfuls of dust all the time. If the trail is covered in gravel or pebbles, the wheels can kick them up and strike people in the back. Heavier people and less experienced riders should be kept to the back of the pack to limit the risk of their driving. It's nothing personal against heavy folks - it's just that their extra weight makes the vehicle turn slower. |
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