YUBA CITY, CA, December 11, 2008
/24-7PressRelease/ -- The golf experts at Points West Argo have put together a list of tips to help people stay safe on the ATVs this winter.
"ATVs often get a bad reputation for being an unsafe outdoor activity," notes Tom Tomlinson of Points West Argo. "However, as long as you follow a few basic safety tips, rules, and guidelines, there is no reason it can't be a fun and safe activity for the whole family."
1. Plan Ahead
Before leaving the house, check the weather forecast and make sure you're prepared for what's to come. Getting caught in the rain on an ATV without warning can make riding unsafe, and riding without proper attire could get you sick.
2. Check the Rules
Check rules and guidelines for the trail or area that you will be riding in. Signs may indicate certain wildlife precautions or river rapid warnings that may pertain to you and are designed for your safety. Following the rules may not always be fun, but safety is key when riding your ATV.
3. Gear-Up
Wear the proper safety gear when riding your ATV. Goggles, gloves, a helmet, and protective clothing should all be warn. Additional gear such as elbow and knee pads, or over the ankle boots are also smart to bring along. Not only does this protect you, but allows you to have a fun time with less risk! Also don't forget to pack a snack, to keep your blood sugar up.
4. Bring a Friend
Never go riding alone on your ATV, because you never know what could happen. If your ATV rolls and you get injured, having a friend to go get help can be useful. If you must ride alone, bring a cell phone and stay in areas with service so you're never really alone.
5. Follow Precautions
Always follow the guidelines and cautions for your particular ATV. For example, if your ATV is a one-passenger, never ever have more than one passenger riding! Also make sure you check weight restrictions and follow them diligently. These vehicles have been tried and tested for your safety, and precautions are in place for a reason.
6. Slow Down
It's easy to get a bit carried away when you're having a great time riding off-road. However, the faster you go, the less likely you are to notice holes, branches and other hazards in the road. Keep a safe pace when you're in an unfamiliar area to assure your safety. It's also imperative to keep a safe distance between other ATV riders to avoid collision.
7. Know your Vehicle
Never ride an unfamiliar ATV or let another rider or child ride one without proper training. As fun as ATVs are, they can be dangerous too. Be a friend and watch out for other riders to make sure they know what they're doing. It's always fun to impress your friends with tricks, but if you're not sure you can pull it off, just don't risk it.
8. Know the Area
Since riding ATVs is often an off-road activity, there are all kinds of natural hazards. Knowing the area you're riding helps a lot, but even so it's best to do a slow ride-through before taking off, to make sure there are no big hazards. If you do go to an unfamiliar area, bring a map, compass, and a friend.
9. Avoid Paved Roads
ATVs were made or meant to be ridden on paved roads. They are specially designed and equipped for off-road riding, and even the most trained rider will have trouble riding them anywhere else. Use a trailer or truck to transport your ATV to your riding destination, never ride it there yourself.
10. Stay Sober
A lot of ATV accidents that happen are due to intoxicated drivers fooling around and having a good time. While many look at ATVs differently than a regular motor vehicle, they can still be very dangerous and even fatal when ridden improperly. You should never, ever ride an ATV under the influence of any mind or body altering substance.
About Points West Argo
Looking for a new or used golf cart? Search no further. Points West Argo is your Northern California source for golf cart sales, rentals, and accessories.
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