VehicleSafety

Formal training teaches drivers how to control ATVs in typical situations. Drivers with formal, hands-on ATV training have a lower injury risk than drivers with no formal training.

Anyone who purchased a new ATV after December 30, 1986, and everyone in the purchaser’s immediate family who is within the recommended age group for the ATV purchased, is entitled to take a training course at no additional charge. Others can take the training course for a small fee. Ask an authorized dealer for the details or call (800) 887-2887 for training information.

Many ATV injuries are head injuries. Wearing a helmet may reduce the severity of these injuries. Select a motorcycle or other motorized sports helmet and make sure the helmet is certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and/or the Snell Memorial Foundation. In addition, wear over-the-ankle boots, goggles, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect against cuts, abrasions, and other injuries from rocks, trees, and other debris.

Most ATVs are designed to carry only one person – with the exception of our CFORCE 800 EPS and CFORCE 500 HO EPS – and should be used according to the design. Built for an interactive ride, ATV drivers must be able to freely adjust their weight in any direction to accommodate for changes in situation and terrain. This is critical to maintaining safe control of the ATV, and riding with passengers inhibits that ability.

Because of how they are made, ATVs are difficult to control on paved roads, causing collisions with other vehicles, which can be deadly. A majority of ATV fatalities occur on paved roads.

Children are involved in about one-third of all ATV-related deaths and hospital emergency room injuries. Most of these deaths and injuries occur when a child is driving or riding on an adult ATV. Children under 16 on adult ATVs are twice as likely to be injured as those riding youth ATVs.

Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time and judgement—two essential skills for safe ATV use.