Below is a quick guide of safety measures you need to take to handle an accident. If you have further questions, check out our ATV safety page or talk to a local distributor near you.
Be Prepared for Accidents Before They Happen
The best way to handle a severe accident is to expect one. Start a checklist of all emergency items you may need. A checklist may look like this:
● Mechanic tools: pliers, screwdriver, knife, spare nuts, and bolt
● Roadside tools: Fix-a-flat, air pump, tie-down cords, lighter, flashlight, jumper cables, and jack
● Navigation: GPS, compass, maps, navigation app on your smartphone
● Communication: spare phone, long-range transistor radio, flares, and emergency medical numbers
● ER kit: bandages, ice pack, medical tape, sterile wipes, small medical tools, emergency medication
● Fuel: gasoline, oil, coolant
Treat the Injured Rider
If you or someone else sustains an injury in an ATV accident, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. If you can transport the injured rider, then put them on your ATV and carefully ride them to the nearest medical center.
If you are unable to transport the injured rider, then contact 911 or an emergency medical crew right away. Act fast decisively. Treat the rider as well as you can, but know your limits. Provide protection, stable support, and use your first aid kit appropriately.
You can also take the following steps:
Do:
● Lay the person down, if possible.
● Elevate the person's feet about 12 inches unless head, neck, hips, bones, or back is injured
● Turn the person on the side if vomiting or mouth bleeding occurs
● Attempt CPR if the victim is not breathing or breathing seems dangerously weak
● Treat the visible injuries
● Keep the injured person warm and comfortable
● Loosen restrictive clothing and cover with a coat or blanket
Do Not:
● Raise the person's head
● Move the person unless there is a danger.
● Give the person anything to eat or drink.
If you are unsure whether you or someone else sustained an injury in an accident, you should check-in to a medical facility and get a physical evaluation. Many injuries go unreported. The symptoms, however, may surface down the road.
Document the Accident
When you get a chance, try to document the accident by doing the following:
● Write down the details of the accident including the cause
● Talk to the injured rider
● Get statements from eyewitnesses
● Take photos or videos of the damaged vehicle and any injuries
● Take pictures of the surroundings
While your primary concern is the victim, you will also have to deal with the accident once things settle down. You may have to fill out a police report and then contact your insurance company.
CFMOTO ATVs and Side-by-Side Vehicles
CFMOTO is the leading manufacturer of ATVs and side-by-side vehicles nationwide. We offer a range of vehicles designed for recreation, work, racing, and other uses. You can depend on our cars no matter how you use them.
To find out more about our line of all-terrain vehicles, visit or contact a CFMOTO dealer near you.