UTV Safety Tips
Whether you’re cruising the trails on the weekend or putting work in during the week, your UTV delivers a quality performance through and through. For the most part, you can rely on your UTV to do all of the heavy lifting. There are some things, though, that require an effort on your part. It’s essential that you, your friends, and family members practice safe riding when you’re on your UTV. Regardless of what you use your UTV for, safety should always be a top priority.
Mid-State Motorsports has put together a brief guide to UTV safety. If you still have questions or you’d like to check out our newest models or awesome gear, visit us at our dealership in Cookeville, Tennessee near Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga today! We also proudly serve all of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Always Drive Sober
Whenever you choose to operate heavy machinery, it’s absolutely crucial that you’re 100% focused and able to handle any problems or obstacles that you might be faced with. It should come as no surprise that it is forbidden to drive a side by side under the influence just as it with any other vehicle. Keep in mind that being under the influence isn’t limited to alcohol. There are several substances that can impair your judgment and be a recipe for disaster on the trails. Do not under any circumstances attempt to operate your UTV if you’ve taken prescription medications, recreational drugs, or drank alcohol. A key way to keep yourself and your passengers safe is to make responsible decisions, which includes being sober when you drive.
Prepare to Gear Up
Another important way to remain safe on your side by side is to protect yourself and your passengers with the appropriate safety gear. Helmets should always be at the top of your safety gear checklist. Make sure you and your passengers have a helmet that’s appropriate for UTV riding and also DOT-rated. Motocross helmets are ideal for UTV riding because they’re lightweight and breathable while still offering the level of protection required in an open-air vehicle that rides in extreme conditions. If you or your passenger chooses a helmet without face protection then you should consider getting goggles to avoid getting dust and debris in the eyes.
It’s worth mentioning that every rider should be wearing gloves, long sleeve shirts, pants, and closed-toe shoots or boots that go to the ankle. Boots are recommended because the lack of sidewall makes you vulnerable to any obstacles that line the trail. Be sure that your UTV is equipped with a first aid kit as well so you can easily deal with cuts and scrapes that might occur while riding.
Supervise Children
If UTV riding is a family activity that your children will partake in, there are some important things to consider. Very young children should never ride in a UTV as these vehicles simply aren’t made to accommodate car seats. There are some state laws with age restrictions for UTV riding, many of which may require your children to take a safety or training course prior to riding. You’ll need to be able to supervise your children so you should ride next to them and guide them. Teens might be able to operate a side by side on their own depending on their age. You’ll still want to keep your eye on them and make sure they know what they’re doing and where they’re going. If they plan to leave your line of sight, be sure that they’re dressed in the proper gear, don’t use drugs or alcohol, and are aware of safe riding practices.
Keep to the Beaten Path
As tempting as it might be to stray into the forest or hills and abandon designated paths, it’s best to resist this urge. When you’re riding a UTV, especially on public lands, it’s safer to stick to the established trails. You don’t want to be held responsible for any damage caused to fragile ecosystems with your vehicle. The path is predictable so you can go fast while still being safe, which is a pretty fair trade-off. Unseen obstacles off the trail such as holes or ditches can damage your vehicle, or worse, cause an accident and injuries.
Now that you’re ready to safely ride a UTV, you should stop by Mid-State Motorsports to check out our inventory and gear options. We’re located in Cookeville, Tennessee near Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga! We also proudly serve all of Tennessee and Kentucky.
