ATV Safety Guide

A helmet is the most critical piece of safety gear for ATV riding. The ATV Safety Institute recommends a DOT-approved helmet that fits properly for all riders of all ages. Unlike motorcycle helmets, ATV helmets should be full-face or MX-style (motocross) helmets with chin bar protection — the terrain risks are different from road riding. Goggles protect eyes from flying debris, dust, and branches. Gloves protect hands in a fall and improve grip. Long sleeves and long pants prevent abrasion. Boots that cover the ankle protect the most commonly injured area in ATV accidents. For aggressive or competition riding, full motocross body armor (chest protector, elbow guards, knee guards, and neck brace) is strongly recommended.

Matching the ATV to the rider's age and size is critical. ATVs are categorized by engine displacement, and manufacturers specify age minimums for each category. The CPSC recommends: under 6 years old — no ATV; 6–11 years old — ATVs under 70cc; 12–15 years old — ATVs under 90cc; 16 and older — ATVs under 90cc through adult models with supervision and training. Never put a child on an adult-sized ATV regardless of their experience or maturity. The weight and power are physically too great for a young rider to control in a sudden emergency. A child who seems to handle an adult ATV well in normal conditions may be unable to control it when the unexpected happens.

The majority of ATV injuries and fatalities fall into predictable patterns that are almost entirely preventable. Rollovers are the leading cause of ATV fatalities — they most often occur when riding on too steep a slope (never ride on slopes exceeding 15–20 degrees) or when making too sharp a turn at speed. Shift your weight uphill on inclines. Never ride an ATV that is too wide or too heavy for the terrain. Passenger accidents are the second major category. Single-rider ATVs are not designed for passengers — the weight distribution, handling, and seat position are all optimized for one rider. Adding a passenger on a single-rider ATV creates an unstable, unpredictable machine. Never carry passengers on a single-rider ATV.