Keep Control on an ATV
All terrain vehicles (ATVs) are enjoyable and useful vehicles when used carefully. They have a tendency to tip over easily when driven too fast or turned too quickly, which can result in severe injury and even death, so it is important to learn to keep control and drive sensibly.
Contents
[hide]Steps
Choosing an ATV
- Think safety before you even purchase an ATV. A good ATV will be the right size for your size, have good traction control and be sturdy. Ask the retailer about the features it has to prevent tipping and to help maintain good control.
- If you are using it on a farm or in the country, try going for an ATV with good traction control; that way, it won't get bogged down in thick mud.
- If you want the ATV just for having fun and racing your friends, you would need a light but sturdy ATV as you don't want it to tip.
- Purchase the ATV from a trustworthy retailer or seller. That way you can ask about accident history and get honest responses, as well as having a potential source of maintenance if it is a commercial retailer.
Speed and turning
- Keep to the speed limitations recommended by the manufacturer. Doing the speed the designers and engineers have factored for and recommended is a large factor in maintaining control over any vehicle. Beyond that, you are taking unwarranted risks.
- When turning, lean toward the direction you are turning. Never make a sharp turn when you are traveling over {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}.
Jumping
- When jumping, and before you get to the top of the ramp, hit the throttle just a little bit to get a good lift. Stand the entire time to keep your ATV balance. It is also important to lean back.
- When stopping, be sure you have a strong grip on the handle bars. Push the foot brake or optional hand brake/brakes at the same time.
Hill climbing
- When climbing hills, if you get stuck and do not have a clutch, never put it in reverse then let it roll down the hill. You will flip when going down a hill like this.
- Never use your front brake. That is dangerous and can cause you to wreck.
Tips
- While braking in gravel, tap the brake instead of slamming on them it will tear up the gravel and leave ruts
Warnings
- Always use a helmet and protective gear while riding an ATV but other that that go out and have fun with your new rider skills.
