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Written by Cassidy Warren
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Friday, 02 May 2008 |
It’s important to not get distracted from keeping everyone safe and the ATVs intact and running. Contrary to what daytime soap operas may have taught us, there is nothing romantic about finishing a date in a hospital gown. An ATV is only as safe as its rider.
Keeping yourself and others safe should always be the top priority while operating an ATV. Tips for safety and driving can be broken down into three categories: Proper clothing and protective gear, inspection of the vehicle, and basic riding knowledge and skills.
My adventure consisted of two experienced riders, my brother and his wife; and me and my boyfriend, who are both less experienced. We were instructed to bring solid helmets and to wear close-toed shoes, sunglasses, warm sweatshirts and long pants. I also brought along some biker’s gloves, which turned out to be an absolutely necessary piece of gear since it kept my hands warm and out of the sharp cold air. Little did I realize, after my adventure and researching the literature, we had only the bare minimum of protective clothing.
Protective clothing includes gloves, boots, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Gloves are considered a safety requirement since they offer relief from the constant vibrations from the handle bars, protection from sharp cold weather and from any injury due to brush. Off-road gloves that have padding over the knuckles provide extra protection.
Boots should have a heel to prevent the foot from slipping off the footrest. While a lace-up work boot is the best style shoe for riding, a cowboy boot is better than a tennis shoe. While the current literature recommends wearing clothing with knee and elbow padding, simply wearing a long sleeve shirt and long pants should suffice for moderate driving levels.
Protective gear should always be worn including a proper helmet and goggles. When purchasing your helmet ensure that it meets safety requirements or is sold or endorsed by one of the following: Department of Transportation, The American National Standards Institute, or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
A securely fastened, firm-fitted helmet is the most important piece of equipment. Wear goggles to protect from dust and the sun. While sunglasses are better than nothing, they still do not provide enough protection. I used sunglasses and while they kept particles out of my eyes, they got dried out while driving.
Inspecting and having an adequate knowledge of your ATV is critically important before riding. To inspect your vehicle refer to the owner’s manual. Generally you should check the ATV’s tires, brakes, wheels, throttle, any loose nuts or bolts, foot shifter, all lights and switches, oil and fuel, the chain or drive shaft, and that the ATV is equipped with the right tool kit in case something goes wrong while driving. In summary, be sure you understand your machine before taking it out on the trails.
The most important aspect for safety is basic riding skills. While ATVs are fun, they do require some skills for safe driving. The first rule is to always place your feet on the footrests. Unlike motorcycles, you do not need to put your foot down when turning. Second, it is recommended to always ride single. One-third of ATV accidents occur while two people are riding.
Only drive ATVs off road because they are not designed for hard pavement, which makes it difficult to turn. Be sure you and other riders drive on terrain that matches skill level. Another note on driving is to respect the environment. Only drive in areas that are marked available for ATV use. If you are unsure that an area is approved for ATVs, do not go in and contact authorities before you go. Avoid unnecessary fines and more importantly, respect the animal and plant life.
ATVs are available for sale at numerous retailers, but are also available as rentals by the day.
— Safety information gathered from the Oklahoma State University and National AG Safety Database
If You Go:
South Willow Canyon:
1. Go west bound on I 80 toward Reno
2. Take exit 99 and merge on UT-36 toward Stansbury/Tooele
3. Turn onto UT-138
4. Turn left onto UT-112
5. Turn right on 800 East
6. Turn right onto Durfee Street
7. Turn left onto Worthington Street
8. Go South on 400 West in Grantsville
9. Turn right onto the South Willow Canyon Access Road
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